Comparison of the Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training and Incentive Spirometer on Pulmonary Function, Respiratory Muscle Strength, Dyspnea and Asthma Control in Asthmatic Patients

This study aimed to compare the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) and the incentive spirometer (IS) on pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, dyspnea, and asthma control in patients with asthma. 70 asthmatic patients (30–50-year-old) were randomly assigned to two groups: Group 1 (n=35), which received IMT, and Group 2 (n=35), which received IS for a 6-week intervention period. Outcome measurements were performed before and after the intervention, including the spirometry data, Maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure (MIP and MEP), asthma control test, asthma control questionnaire, dyspnea, were recorded. IMT showed superior improvements in pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, and exercise tolerance compared to IS. Significant improvements were observed in FVC (forced vital capacity), FEV1(forced expiratory volume), PEFR (peak expiratory flow rate), MIP, and dyspnea (p < 0.05) in the IMT group at 6 weeks. In contrast, IS did not produce similar gains in lung function or respiratory muscle strength. Dyspnea was significantly reduced in the IMT group (p < 0.05). No significant differences in oxygen saturation, or heart rate were observed between the two groups. IMT outperformed IS in improving pulmonary function, reducing dyspnea, and enhancing respiratory muscle strength in asthmatic patients. The findings suggest that IMT could be a valuable adjunct therapy in asthma management, given its effectiveness, IMT should be considered a priority intervention alongside traditional asthma treatments to optimize patient outcomes. Keywords: Asthma, inspiratory muscle training, incentive spirometry, pulmonary function, dyspnea, respiratory muscle strength