OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of an inspiratory muscle training protocol on inspiratory muscle function, functional capacity, and quality of life in patients with asthma. DESIGN: A single-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial. SETTING: Community-based. SUBJECTS: Patients with asthma, aged between 20 and 70 years old, non-smokers. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomized into two groups: inspiratory muscle training group performed inspiratory muscle training 5 days a week for 8 weeks, consisting of six sets of 30 breaths per day with a training load 50% of maximal inspiratory pressure, plus an educational program; the control group only received the educational program. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Maximal inspiratory pressure, inspiratory muscle endurance, and the distance performed on the incremental shuttle walking test were assessed pre-intervention, post-intervention and at follow-up (3 months after the end of the intervention). The asthma quality of life questionnaire was applied pre and post-intervention. RESULTS: Data from 39 participants were analyzed. Maximal inspiratory pressure in percentage of predicted and endurance test duration were significantly higher post-intervention in the inspiratory muscle training group (post minus pre 50.8% versus 7.3% of predicted -- p < 0.001 and post minus pre 207.9 seconds versus 2.7 seconds -- p < 0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in the incremental shuttle walking distance between groups (post minus pre 30.9 m versus -8.1 m, p = 0.165). Quality of life was perceived as significantly better, without a difference between groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: About 8 weeks of inspiratory muscle training in patients with controlled asthma significantly increased inspiratory muscle strength and endurance.

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