Equivalence Test of Two Different Inspiratory Muscle Training Protocols: a Randomised Controlled Trial

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Background: SCI may result in various disabilities including both physical, cognitive, emotional and social domains. Motor function and function of the respiratory muscles are often decreased and may influence the patient's activities of daily activities and QOL. IMT is training to improve the strength and endurance of diaphragm and the external intercostal muscles. Various training protocols of IMT have shown efficient to increase lung function. Although, a recent meta-analysis suggest that high intensity training may be more efficient it is less clear at what weekly frequency IMT should be performed. Thus, the objective of this study is to investigate if six weeks of high intensity IMT performed two times a week has the same effect as five times a week in hospitalized patients with first time SCI. Design/ methods: A Randomised controlled trial (RCT) including 60 patients, with reduced MIP will be recruited at two specialized SCI centers in Denmark. Primary outcome is MIP after six weeks of training. Secondary outcome will be reported on end of treatment and long term follow-up (6-8 months end of treatment) in RPE, voice performance, QOL and sleep quality. The two intervention arms will consist of one arm training two times a week and the other arm training five times a week. The training protocol in both arms will include five rounds of IMT with 12 repetitions at 60 % of MIP. MIP will be increased 10 % every week if tolerated by the patient until 80 % of MIP is reached. After six weeks patients are motivated to continue training by themself up to 6-8 months after end of treatment.