InspireGBs – inspiratory muscle training in people with Guillain-Barré syndrome: a feasibility study

<bold>Introduction:</bold> Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare immune-mediated peripheral nerve disease often preceded by infections. Respiratory muscle weakness is a common complication in people with GBS, leading to decreased vital capacity, weakened coughing ability, atelectasis, and pulmonary infections. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been widely used to enhance inspiratory muscle strength and pulmonary function in various diseases, however, its application in GBS is unknown. <bold>Aims:</bold> Our study aimed to assess the feasibility and safety of an IMT protocol - InspireGBs - in people with GBS. <bold>Methods:</bold> A pre/post feasibility study was conducted. InspireGBs consisted of twice daily sessions 5 times/week, 3 sets of 10 breath in each session, for 6 weeks (Fig. 1). Its feasibility was determined by participant recruitment/retention, adherence, time spent in each session and adverse events. <bold>Results:</bold> Eleven patients (63% male; 64 years) were recruited from inpatient rehabilitation and ten completed the study. Recruitment and retention rates were high (100% and 91% respectively). Excellent adherence rate (96%) was obtained with no reported adverse effects or safety issues. Sessions lasted from 4 to 6 minutes. <bold>Conclusions:</bold> InspireGBs is a feasible and safe intervention with high adherence. A randomized controlled trial is now needed to strengthen these findings. <fig><object-id>erj;64/suppl_68/PA4125/F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><graphic></graphic></fig>