Pulmonary Functions in Sickle Cell Disease: Response to Adding Acu-TENS to Inspiratory Muscle Training

What this Trial Is About

Pulmonary complications are common in patients with sickle cell disease. This research aims to evaluate how adding acupuncture-like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (AC-tens) to inspiratory muscle training (IMT) affects lung function in these patients. The study compares the effects of IMT alone versus IMT combined with AC-tens on respiratory health over a 12-week period. Participants will be divided into two groups of 20 patients each. One group will undergo inspiratory muscle training using a threshold device, performing six sets of 10 breathing cycles, three times per week for 12 weeks. The other group will receive the same IMT training along with AC-tens sessions lasting 45 minutes each, applied bilaterally at the Ex-B1 acupoint with specific electrical parameters (4 Hz frequency and 200 microsecond pulse duration), also three times per week for 12 weeks. During the study, researchers will monitor lung function by measuring the FEV1/FVC ratio after 12 weeks of treatment. Participants will be assessed for changes in pulmonary function and overall respiratory improvements. The study includes patients aged 20 to 50 years with sickle cell disease and aims to better understand the potential benefits of combining these respiratory therapies.

Pulmonary Functions in Sickle Cell Disease: Response to Acu-TENS