Effectiveness of Inspiratory Muscle Training in Weaning ICU Patients

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in helping patients in critical condition who have been on mechanical ventilation (MV) for at least 72 hours. These patients often develop muscle weakness, including diaphragm atrophy, which can make it harder to stop mechanical ventilation and may lead to longer ICU and hospital stays, as well as higher risks of infection and mortality. This study aims to see if using IMT can improve the success of weaning patients off MV and reduce their time in the ICU and hospital. The study compares two groups of ICU patients: one receiving an inspiratory muscle training program using an electronic breathing trainer, starting at 40% of their maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and increasing daily by 10%, with 30 repetitions split into sets, along with a protocolized early mobilization program; the other group receives only the early mobilization program. The IMT is applied daily for 5 days a week until ICU discharge. This is a randomized controlled trial with double masking to assess the effects of these interventions. Participants will be monitored for weaning success immediately after the intervention and other outcomes including duration of mechanical ventilation, MIP, maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), and length of ICU and hospital stay. Assessments of MIP and MEP are done at baseline and after the intervention. The study is sponsored by the University of West Attica and plans to follow patients until discharge from ICU, aiming to provide insights into improving care and reducing costs for ICU patients on mechanical ventilation.

Effectiveness of Inspiratory Muscle Training in Weaning ICU Patients