Perioperative respiratory muscle training improves respiratory muscle strength and physical activity of patients receiving lung surgery: A meta-analysis

ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS

Research background

The clinical values of perioperative respiratory muscle training (RMT), including inspiratory muscle training and expiratory muscle training in patients receiving lung surgery are not clear now.

Research motivation

To evaluate whether perioperative RMT is effective in improving postoperative outcomes such as the respiratory muscle strength and physical activity level in patients receiving lung surgery.

Research objectives

To further identify the clinical role of perioperative RMT in patients undergoing pulmonary surgery.

Research methods

Several databases were systematically searched to obtain eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Primary outcome was postoperative respiratory muscle strength expressed as the maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP). Secondary outcomes were physical activity, exercise capacity, including the 6-min walking distance and peak oxygen consumption during the cardio-pulmonary exercise test, pulmonary function and the quality of life.

Research results

For primary outcomes, the pooled results indicated that perioperative RMT improved the postoperative MIP (mean = 8.13 cmH₂O, P = 0.02) and tended to increase MEP (mean = 13.51 cmH₂O, P = 0.14). For secondary outcomes, perioperative RMT enhanced postoperative physical activity significantly (P = 0.006) and a trend of improved postoperative pulmonary function was observed.

Research conclusions

Perioperative RMT enhanced postoperative respiratory muscle strength and physical activity level of patients receiving lung surgery.

Research perspectives

However, RCTs with large samples are needed to evaluate effects of perioperative RMT on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing lung surgery.