Effectiveness of Inspiratory Muscle Training in Weaning ICU Patients

Patients in critical condition, due to their prolonged stay in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), the severity of the underlying disease, and potential adverse effects of hospitalization, may develop serious complications, such as muscle atrophy and weakness, which also affect the respiratory muscles. It is characteristic that within the first 18-69 hours of mechanical ventilation (MV), proteolytic processes occur that lead to rapid atrophy of the diaphragm. Diaphragmatic dysfunction acquired during the ICU stay thus appears to have an adverse effect on weaning from mechanical ventilation, length of ICU stay, length of hospital stay, functional status, quality of life, and mortality within the ICU and the hospital. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been identified as an intervention that could augment weaning, preventing the dedtrimental effects of MV. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of an IMT protocol in weaning success of ICU patients. Specifically, an electronic device will be used that incorporates a tapered flow resistive technique.