Heart Lung. 2026 Apr 1;78:102775. doi: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2026.102775. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Inspiratory muscle weakness is common among patients with chronic heart failure undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Home-based inspiratory muscle training (IMT) could be a vital therapeutic strategy, particularly for those with limited access to cardiac rehabilitation programs.
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 12-week home-based IMT program on inspiratory muscle strength, cardiac function, NT-proBNP levels, exercise capacity, quality of life, and daily activities. It examined the relationships between changes in NT-proBNP levels, walking distance, maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with heart failure at least one year after CRT implantation.
METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 32 patients with CRT devices were assigned to either the IMT group (n = 19) or the control group (n = 13). Outcome measures included MIP, LVEF, NT-proBNP levels, the 6-minute walk test, performance of activities of daily living (PMADL-8), and quality of life (Nottingham Health Profile-NHP).
RESULTS: Compared to the control group, the IMT group showed statistically significant improvements in MIP (p < 0.001), LVEF (p = 0.025), NT-proBNP levels (p = 0.003), walk distance (p < 0.001), PMADL-8 score (p < 0.001), and NHP total score. Significant correlations were observed among the changes in NT-proBNP, MIP, LVEF, and walk distance.
CONCLUSION: In this small-sample study home-based IMT was associated with improvements in respiratory strength, cardiac function, functional capacity, patient-reported functionality, and quality of life. This confirms the role of home-based IMT as a supportive preventive strategy for CRT patients who lack access to rehabilitation. Larger-scale, long-term studies are needed to confirm its effects on remodeling and clinical outcomes.
PMID:41930533 | DOI:10.1016/j.hrtlng.2026.102775
