Study of Inspiratory Muscle Training to Improve Breathing Strength and Symptoms in Adults With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the effect of inspiratory muscle training IMT on inspiratory strength and symptoms in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD. This randomized controlled trial compares an IMT group with a sham IMT group to assess impacts on maximal inspiratory pressure, dynamic inspiratory pressure, GERD symptoms, and quality of life. The study aims to address diaphragm dysfunction related to GERD and improve holistic disease management. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups the experimental group receives IMT using a tapered flow resistive loading device starting at 40% of their maximum inspiratory pressure, increasing weekly by 10%, performing 36 sessions over 3 months with 3 sessions weekly, each session having 1 set of 30 breaths. The control group receives sham IMT with a constant resistance load of 7 cmH2O, also for 36 sessions over 3 months. Measurements occur before treatment, immediately after 3 months, and 6 months post-treatment. During the study, participants will undergo assessments of maximal inspiratory pressure using a digital manometer, maximum dynamic inspiratory pressure with a tapered flow resistance device, and complete questionnaires measuring GERD symptom frequency and quality of life. These evaluations take place at baseline, after the 3-month program, and again 6 months after program completion. The trial monitors changes over time to evaluate the lasting effects of the IMT program on respiratory strength and GERD impact.

The Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training in People With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease