Four weeks of inspiratory muscle training improves self-paced walking performance in overweight and obese adults: a randomised controlled trial

A M Edwards, G P Maguire, D Graham, V Boland, G Richardson, A M Edwards, G P Maguire, D Graham, V Boland, G Richardson

Abstract

Objective. To examine whether a programme of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) improves accumulative distance of self-paced walking in overweight and obese adults. Methods. A total of 15 overweight and obese adults were randomized into experimental (EXP: n = 8) and placebo (PLA: n = 7) groups. Lung function, inspiratory muscle performance, 6-minute walking test, and predicted [Formula: see text]O(2) max were assessed prior to and following the 4-week IMT intervention. Both groups performed 30 inspiratory breaths, twice daily using a proprietary inspiratory resistance device set to 55% of baseline maximal effort (EXP), or performing the same inspiratory training procedure at the minimum resistive setting (PLA). Results. Lung function was unchanged in both groups after-training; however inspiratory muscle strength was significantly improved in EXP (19 ± 25.2 cm H(2)O gain; P < 0.01) but did not significantly change in PLA. Additionally, the posttraining distance covered in the 6-minute walking test was significantly extended for EXP (62.5 ± 37.7 m gain; P < 0.01), but not for PLA. A positive association was observed between the change (%) of performance gain in the 6-minute walking test and body mass index (r = 0.736; P < 0.05) for EXP. Conclusion. The present study suggests that IMT provides a practical, minimally intrusive intervention to significantly augment both inspiratory muscle performance and walking distance covered by overweight and obese adults in a clinically relevant 6-minute walk test. This indicates that IMT may provide a useful priming (preparatory) strategy prior to entry in a physical training programme for overweight and obese adults.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Distance covered (metres) in response to the 6-minute walk test for both experimental (EXP; n = 8) and placebo (PLA; n = 7) groups. * = significant difference between baseline and posttraining distance covered (P < 0.01). Means ± SD and individual (before and after training) results are displayed.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Maximal inspiratory mouth pressure (MIP) measure before and after the 4-week intervention period for both experimental (EXP) and placebo (PLA) groups. * = significant difference between baseline (before) and posttraining (after) distance covered (P < 0.01).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Associations between (a) body mass index and % change in 6-minute walking distance from pre- to posttraining and (b) between the (%) changes of maximal inspiratory mouth pressure and 6-minute walking distance from pre- to posttraining.

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