Respiratory Muscle Training (RMST)
Respiratory muscle training (RMST) has proven effective in the pre- and postoperative care to prevent respiratory muscle weakness. Evidence has shown that RMT reduces length of stay (LOS) and readmission rates, as well as the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC).
All-cause prolonged hospitalisation has emerged as an independent risk factor for potential adverse events. These include increased morbidity, reduced respiratory and peripheral muscle weakness, decline in physical functionality and reduced quality of life.
A Brazilian study now investigated the effect of RMST as a standard intervention for all patients at risk of prolonged hospital stay, independent of the condition of their respiratory system [1]. Eligible patients had to meet at least two of the following criteria:
- Two or more comorbidities
- Sepsis
- Liver, lung or kidney disease
- Neoplasia
- Mechanical ventilation
- Use of vasopressor
- Dialysis therapy
Eligible patients were randomised into experimental and control group, and underwent 4 weeks of either RMST focussing on their inspiratory muscles, or sham training. RMST consisted of 30 breaths twice a day at 50% of maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP). Diagnosis of enrolled patients included stroke, brain tumor, sepsis, pneumonia, abdominal surgery, spinal cord tumor, endovascular revascularisation, and others.
Compared to the control group, 4 weeks of RMST resulted in the following significant benefits:
- All respiratory and functional parameters (MIP, MVV, MRC, BI, FIM)
- Shorter LOS – 16% reduction
- Reduced risk of endotracheal intubation – 64% reduction
- Hospital mortality – 78% reduction
- Muscle weakness – 64% reduction
These findings clearly demonstrate that RMST is a cheap and highly effective method to reduce hospitalisation, complications, mortality and healthcare costs, while improving patient outcome.
While larger scale studies need to confirm these results, the use of RMST in all patients at risk of prolonged hospitalisation appears advisable. RMST has no known side effects and is usually a patient-appreciated therapy. The benefits of extending the use of RMST to a wide inpatient population therefore greatly outweigh the risks.
Reference:
Nepomuceno BRV Jr, Barreto M de S, Almeida NC, Guerreiro CF, Xavier-Souza E, Neto MG. Safety and efficacy of inspiratory muscle training for preventing adverse outcomes in patients at risk of prolonged hospitalisation. Trials. 2017;18: 626.
