Use the Back button in your browser to see the other results of your search or to select another record.

Detailed Search Results

Respiratory muscle weakness and respiratory muscle training in severely disabled multiple sclerosis patients
Gosselink R, Kovacs L, Ketelaer P, Carton H, Decramer M
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2000 Jun;81(6):747-751
clinical trial
5/10 [Eligibility criteria: No; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: No; Baseline comparability: Yes; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: No; Adequate follow-up: Yes; Intention-to-treat analysis: No; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the contribution of respiratory muscle weakness (part 1) and respiratory muscle training (part 2) to pulmonary function, cough efficacy, and functional status in patients with advanced multiple sclerosis (MS). DESIGN: Survey (part 1) and randomized controlled trial (part 2). SETTING: Rehabilitation center for MS. PATIENTS: Twenty-eight bedridden or wheelchair-bound MS patients (part 1); 18 patients were randomly assigned to a training group (n = 9) or a control group (n = 9) (part 2). INTERVENTION: The training group (part 2) performed three series of 15 contractions against an expiratory resistance (60% maximum expiratory pressure (PEmax)) two times a day, whereas the control group performed breathing exercises to enhance maximal inspirations. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Forced vital capacity (FVC), inspiratory, and expiratory muscle strength (PImax and PEmax), neck flexion force (NFF), cough efficacy by means of the Pulmonary Index (PI), and functional status by means of the Extended Disability Status Scale (EDSS). RESULTS: Part 1 revealed a significantly reduced FVC (43% +/- 26% predicted), PEmax (18% +/- 8% predicted), and PImax (27% +/- 11% predicted), whereas NFF was only mildly reduced (93% +/- 26% predicted). The PI (median score, 10) and EDSS (median score, 8.5) were severely reduced. PEmax was significantly correlated to FVC, EDSS, and PI (r = 0.77, -0.79, and -0.47, respectively). In stepwise multiple regression analysis. PEmax was the only factor contributing to the explained variance in FVC (R2 = 0.60), whereas body weight (R2 = 0.41) was the only factor for the PI. In part 2, changes in PImax and PEmax tended to be higher in the training group (p = 0.06 and p = 0.07, respectively). The PI was significantly improved after 3 months of training compared with the control group (p < 0.05). After 6 months, the PI remained significantly better in the training group. CONCLUSIONS: Expiratory muscle strength was significantly reduced and related to FVC, cough efficacy, and functional status. Expiratory muscle training tended to enhance inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength. In addition, subjectively and objectively rated cough efficacy improved significantly and lasted for 3 months after training cessation.

Full text (sometimes free) may be available at these link(s):      help