The effects of inspiratory muscle training on inspiratory muscle strength, lung function and quality of life in adults with spinal cord injuries: a systematic review and Meta-analysis.

Moderate quality evidence suggests IMT improves respiratory strength in adults with an SCI. The mental and physical QOL outcomes provided very low quality of evidence, with considerable heterogeneity between study results, leading to inconsistency. Further research is warranted to investigate medium and long-term impact of robust IMT protocols, accounting for patient motivation and adherence to IMT.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONInspiratory muscle training (IMT) significantly improves respiratory muscle strength in adults with spinal cord injuries-irrespective of time since injury, or degree of injury completeness.IMT is a feasible, safe, and worthwhile intervention to implement with adults with spinal cord injuries and can be utilized in a variety of settings.IMT interventions that are 8 weeks long and utilize a spring-loaded inspiratory threshold device may generate the largest improvements in respiratory strength.