OBJECTIVE: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is considered for patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). However, the impact of adding inspiratory muscle training (IMT) to PR on inspiratory muscle function is underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of IMT in addition to PR on inspiratory muscle function, functional exercise capacity (FEC), and quality of life (QoL) in patients with AECOPD. DESIGN: Sixteen patients with AECOPD and a maximal inspiratory pressure < 80 cmH2O were randomized into the experimental (PR plus IMT) or the control (PR plus sham IMT) group for an 8-wk intervention. Inspiratory muscle activation was measured using surface electromyography, FEC was examined by 6-min walk distance (6MWD), and QoL was assessed with COPD Assessment Test. RESULTS: The experimental group showed sustained and significant improvements in inspiratory muscle function, 6MWD, and QoL after intervention (all p < 0.05). The experimental group had higher maximal inspiratory pressure with less diaphragm activation (both p < 0.001) and more improvements in 6MWD and QoL after intervention (both p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Adding IMT to PR resulted in more improvements in inspiratory muscle function, FEC, and QoL for patients with AECOPD, suggesting IMT as a beneficial addition to PR.

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