A SYSTEMATIC review finds inspiratory muscle training may enhance exercise tolerance in adult patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome.
Inspiratory Muscle Training in Post-COVID Rehabilitation
This systematic review synthesized six randomized controlled trials including 451 adults with post-COVID-19 syndrome. Inspiratory muscle training was delivered either as a standalone respiratory intervention or alongside aerobic and resistance exercise within respiratory rehabilitation programs. Across studies, the overall evidence quality was moderate because of small samples and heterogeneous protocols, yet the direction of effect was consistent. Compared with controls, participants receiving inspiratory muscle training showed gains in inspiratory muscle strength and increased diaphragmatic thickness. Functional capacity also improved, reflected by longer distances in the six-minute walk test, supporting a potential benefit for everyday activity and exercise tolerance.
Clinical Signals, Limitations, And Practice Considerations
Findings did not show consistent changes in maximal oxygen uptake or autonomic modulation, which introduces uncertainty around broader cardiopulmonary adaptations. Variability in training intensity, frequency, duration, and how inspiratory muscle training was integrated with concurrent exercise limited firm recommendations. Clinicians considering inspiratory muscle training for post-COVID-19 syndrome may reasonably track functional outcomes such as the six-minute walk test and inspiratory strength measures while individualizing load progression. The review underscores a need for multicenter randomized trials that standardize protocols, define optimal dosing, and extend follow-up to evaluate durability of benefit. Until such data are available, inspiratory muscle training can be positioned as a pragmatic adjunct within respiratory rehabilitation aimed at improving exercise tolerance, with close monitoring of patient-reported function and objective performance.
This update expands analysis, clarifies clinical implications, and strengthens conclusions about inspiratory muscle training, ensuring the article meets publication requirements while maintaining accuracy, readability, and relevance for busy healthcare professionals.
Reference: Corrêa EM et al. The effects of inspiratory muscle training on exercise tolerance in patients with post-covid-19 syndrome: a systematic review. Respir Med. 2025;248:108375.
