The Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training in Lung Cancer Patients: A Scoping Review
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Introduction: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer worldwide, with a high mortality rate. Chronic dyspnea promotes a pathologic cycle of decreased activity, which has been shown to limit exercise tolerance and deteriorate quality of life. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) is a resistance-based exercise regimen that aims to improve the strength and endurance of the inspiratory muscles, thereby reducing respiratory symptoms. This study aims to comprehensively review the possible beneficial effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on various aspects in lung cancer patients.
Methods: The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched from inception to May 20th, 2024. All clinical trials examining the impact of inspiratory muscle training on lung cancer patients, utilizing either quantitative or qualitative approaches, were included. The data extracted were then descriptively presented, focusing on the main themes to provide a comprehensive review of the literature.
Results: Our search identified 9 unique studies comprising eight randomized-controlled trials and one retrospective cohort study, with a total of 460 lung cancer patients. IMT regimen was proven to reduce sedentary behaviour, along with significant improvement of physical activity and health-related quality of life (HRQL). Furthermore, IMT program reduced dyspnea, with improvement of maximum inspiratory pressure (PImax) and 6-minute walking test (6MWT). It also provided the additional benefits of shorter length of stay postoperatively, and reduced patient's distress with regard to dyspnea.
Conclusion: IMT provides several benefits, including improvements in dyspnea indexes, exercise tolerance, and overall HRQL. Further studies are required to determine the optimal IMT regimen for this special population.
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