Respiratory muscle training program supplemented by a cell-phone application in COPD patients with severe airflow limitation

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to implement a respiratory muscle training program through a mobile phone application for COPD patients with severe airflow limitation.

Methods: We conducted an experimental study to determine the efficacy of a six-month mobile phone application. At least three times a week for six months the patients would participate in an online training session. We evaluated the lung volumes, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure (MIP/MEP) and diaphragm amplitude. The tests were performed at the beginning and at the end of the study.

Results: Thirty-four patients with severe COPD, aged between 44 and 67 years (Mean ± SD, 59.29 ± 6.063), accepted to follow a rehabilitation program based on the use of the Pneumocontrol application. We observed on increased of MEP from the pre-rehabilitation state (83.41 cmH2O) to the post-rehabilitation state (95.03 cmH2O), z = 5.087, p < 0.001. Also, the median MIP significantly increased from the pre-rehabilitation state to the post-rehabilitation state, z = 5.052, p < 0.001. Diaphragmatic distance also increased from 2.81 cm to 3.44 cm, z = 5.069, p < 0.001.

Conclusion: Respiratory muscle training supplemented through a cell phone-based application can improve respiratory muscle strength and diaphragm mobility.