Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 16, 2026
Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Published on: August 24, 2019
The effects of inspiratory muscle training on exercise tolerance in patients with post-covid-19 syndrome: a
Emyly Monteiro Corrêa1, Suellen da Silva Mendonça2, Rodrigo Santiago Barbosa Rocha3
1Biological and Health Sciences Center, Para State University, Av. João Paulo II, n° 817 - Marco, Belém, 66095-049, Brazil.
Objective:
This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT), either performed in isolation or combined with aerobic and resistance exercises, on exercise tolerance and respiratory function in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome.
Methods:
The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines and registered in PROSPERO. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in peer-reviewed journals investigating IMT in adults with post-COVID-19 syndrome were included. A comprehensive search was carried out in international electronic databases. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment (RoB 2.0) were performed independently by two reviewers.
Results:
Six randomized controlled trials encompassing a total of 451 participants were included. The overall quality of evidence was considered moderate, mainly due to small sample sizes and heterogeneous protocols. Compared with control groups, IMT demonstrated significant improvements in inspiratory muscle strength, diaphragmatic thickness, and distance covered in the 6-min walk test (6MWT). However, no consistent differences were observed in maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) or autonomic modulation.
Conclusion:
The findings suggest that IMT may enhance exercise tolerance and respiratory parameters in post-COVID-19 patients. Nevertheless, the available evidence remains limited and heterogeneous, underscoring the need for multicenter RCTs with standardized protocols and long-term follow-up to establish definitive clinical recommendations.
Related Concept Videos
01:26COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
01:27Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
01:21Mechanism of Breathing III: The Accessory Muscles
The respiratory system is a complex network that relies on primary respiratory muscles like the diaphragm, but also involves accessory muscles to enhance lung expansion and airflow during both inhalation and exhalation.
Enhancing Inhalation with Accessory Muscles:
Accessory muscles such as the sternocleidomastoid, scalene, intercostal, and abdominal muscles are crucial when additional respiratory effort is required, such as during deep...
01:29Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management
Smoking Cessation
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:24Respiratory Capacities
One key metric is the Inspiratory Capacity (IC), which represents the maximum amount of air that can be inhaled with full effort. IC is calculated by summing the tidal volume and inspiratory reserve volume, typically ranging from 2.4 to 3.6 liters.
The Functional Residual Capacity (FRC) represents the air in the...