Background: Inspiratory muscle training combined with positive expiratory pressure (IMT/PEP) may improve outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but evidence in exacerbation-prone (Group E) disease is limited. This study is designed to evaluate the effects of IMT/PEP on pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, exercise capacity, and dyspnea in stable Group E COPD. Methods : This prospective randomized controlled trial will enroll 62 patients with stable Group E COPD between June 2023 and September 2024. Participants will be randomized to receive IMT/PEP plus standard care or standard care alone. Pulmonary function tests, maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), six-minute walk test (6MWT), oxygen saturation (SOā), and dyspnea scales (mMRC, CAT, MBS, VAS) will be assessed at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months.
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Change in Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (MIP) After 12 Weeks of IMT/PEP Therapy
Timeframe: Baseline and Week 12
Change in Residual Volume (RV) After 12 Weeks of IMT/PEP Therapy
Timeframe: Baseline and Week 12