Lung trainers, also known as respiratory muscle training (RMT) devices, enhance breathing capacity by improving respiratory muscle function. Understanding their mechanisms and supporting evidence clarifies their role in respiratory health.
Types and Mechanisms of Lung Trainers
Lung trainers provide resistance to respiratory muscles, strengthening them like weight training. This improves the strength and endurance of breathing muscles. The primary muscles targeted include the diaphragm and intercostal muscles.
They fall into two main categories: inspiratory muscle trainers (IMT) and expiratory muscle trainers (EMT). IMT devices strengthen muscles used to breathe in by requiring inhalation against adjustable resistance. Examples include pressure threshold devices, which open only when a predefined inspiratory pressure is met.
Expiratory muscle trainers (EMT) strengthen muscles for forceful exhalation, such as the abdominal and internal intercostals, by requiring exhalation against resistance. Both IMT and EMT devices are small, portable, and designed for regular, short training sessions.
Scientific Evidence for Effectiveness
Research has explored the efficacy of lung trainers across various populations and conditions, providing insights into where these devices show promise. For individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been shown to improve maximal inspiratory pressure, exercise tolerance, and reduce shortness of breath. Some studies suggest that combined inspiratory and expiratory muscle training can also alleviate dyspnea in COPD patients. While expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) has improved maximum expiratory pressure in some cases, its impact on cough flow or overall pulmonary function has not always been significant.
For asthma, IMT can enhance inspiratory muscle strength and may lead to a reduction in dyspnea and potentially decrease the need for rescue medication. Research indicates that IMT can be beneficial for adults with asthma, particularly when the training load is above 50% of maximal inspiratory pressure and lasts longer than six weeks. Exercise training, including breathing exercises, has also been linked to improved lung function measurements in adults with asthma.
Athletes and active individuals may also experience benefits from lung trainers. IMT has been observed to improve inspiratory muscle strength, increase exercise duration, and reduce the perception of fatigue during physical activity. While some studies show enhancements in endurance and reduced lactate accumulation, IMT does not consistently improve peak aerobic capacity (VO2 max) in healthy individuals.
For post-surgical recovery, especially after cardiac and lung surgeries, IMT has demonstrated positive outcomes. It can help reduce the incidence of post-operative pulmonary complications and may shorten hospital stays. Training the breathing muscles before surgery can make breathing easier and strengthen these muscles for the recovery period. Overall, the evidence suggests that lung trainers can be an effective tool for improving respiratory muscle strength and related outcomes, though results can vary based on the specific condition, training protocol, and individual response.
Appropriate Use and Safety Considerations
Using lung trainers requires careful consideration, and it is important to approach their use responsibly. Consulting a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or respiratory therapist, is highly advisable before starting any respiratory muscle training regimen, especially for individuals with existing health conditions. This consultation ensures that the device is appropriate for the individual’s specific needs and health status.
Lung trainers are generally considered a supplementary tool, not a replacement for prescribed medical treatments or therapies for respiratory conditions. Improper usage or ignoring safety guidelines can lead to potential risks. For example, individuals with conditions such as a ruptured eardrum, a history of spontaneous pneumothorax (collapsed lung not due to injury), or certain heart conditions like pulmonary hypertension should exercise caution or avoid these devices.
Some users may experience mild ear discomfort or dizziness during training, particularly if they are recovering from a cold or if there is inadequate pressure equalization. If these symptoms persist, discontinuing use and consulting a healthcare professional is recommended. Consistency and adherence to the manufacturer’s instructions and professional guidance are important for maximizing benefits and minimizing risks.