Effect of strengthening of Inspiratory Muscles using Inspiratory Muscle trainer on Pulmonary Function among Patients with spinal Cord Injury-A Quasi-experimental study Priya M Shanmuga1, Kalpana A P2 1Asst. Professor, KMCH College of Physiotherapy 2Professor, MPT(Cardio-Pulmonary), KMCH College of Physiotherapy Online published on 16 January, 2018. Abstract Background Respiratory complications are the major causes of mortality and morbidity in patients with spinal cord injury. Thus there is a need to prevent the respiratory complications. In these patients respiratory problems may result from a loss of control of the abdominal muscles, intercostals and in some cases, a partial or total loss of the diaphragmatic function. Objective To determine the effect of strengthening of inspiratory muscles using inspiratory muscle trainer on pulmonary function among patients with spinal cord injury. Study Design The study was a Quasi-Experimental study design. The sampling technique used was Purposive Sampling Technique. The study was conducted at Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. A sample of 20 male patients with traumatic spinal cord injury with level ranging from C5 to T12 were selected and assigned into 2 groups. Intervention Group I was intervened with conventional chest physiotherapy. Group II was intervened with strengthening of inspiratory muscles using IMT Threshold device along with conventional chest physiotherapy. The study was conducted for a period of 8 weeks. The outcome measures include rate of perceived exertion assessed by modified Borg's scale, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure was assessed by modified sphygmomanometer, peak expiratory flow rate was assessed by mini peak flow meter. Results Statistical analysis were made using student‘t’ test and paired ‘t’ test at 5% level of significance. Pre test values showed that there is no significant difference between two groups. There is improvement in both groups and the experimental group showed a greater level of improvement in MIP, MEP and PEFR than the control group. Conclusion From this study it is concluded that the inspiratory muscle training is effective to improve pulmonary function among patients with spinal cord injury. Top Keywords Spinal cord injury, inspiratory muscle training, IMT Threshold device, maximal inspiratory pressure, maximal expiratory pressure. Top |