Inspiratory muscle training enhances recovery post-COVID-19: a randomized controlled trial

<bold>Background:</bold> Many people recovering from COVID-19 experience prolonged symptoms. <bold>Aim:</bold> To evaluate the effect of musculoskeletal rehabilitation associated with inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on cardiorespiratory, functional, and respiratory capacity in individuals post-COVID-19. <bold>Methods:</bold> This randomized, double-blinded, controlled study involving 19 individuals after three months of a positive diagnosis of COVID-19. Patients performed incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing, sit-stand test (SST), and pulmonary function assessment on separate days. The rehabilitation program (RP) was carried out throughout 24 sessions, three times a week, consisting of resistance training, aerobic training, and IMT. Participants were randomized to receive a) standard RP with sham IMT (10% MIP) (n=10) or b) standard RP plus IMT (50% MIP) (n=9). <bold>Results:</bold> The groups were matched by age (RP+IMT: age 55±11 years versus RP+Sham: 57±12, p=0.66) and sex (female 5/9, 56% versus 6/10, 60% p=0.84). After 24 PR sessions, the groups showed significant improvement in peak oxygen consumption (V̇O2, L/min, and mlO2.kg-1.min-1), in the number of SST, increase in MIP and forced expiratory volume in the first second (Figure 1). <bold>Conclusion:</bold> The IMT as an adjunct of an RP improved respiratory muscle strength with greater oxygen consumption and improved functional capacity in individuals post-COVID-19. Acknowledgment: FAPDF, CNPq, and CAPES. <fig><object-id>erj;64/suppl_68/OA940/F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><graphic></graphic></fig>