Introduction
The idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic disease that consists on a fibrotic phenomenon that start with a disfunction of the normal activity of the alveolar epithelial tissues. this can lead to increased inspiratory muscle loading, functional weakness of the respiratory muscles, the presence of an imbalance between ventilatory demand and/or ventilatory capacity.
Objective
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the respiratory training in pulmonary function of the idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients.
Patients and methods
A meta-analysis of the studies which have tested the effect of respiratory training interventions versus a control intervention where idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients had medical standard care or other programs without respiratory training was conducted. We performed a literature search using PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct (last search May 2022). all studies included pulmonary function as one of the outcomes.
Results
We included 4 studies, which included 255 patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The pooled mean difference showed significant overall effect in favor of the respiratory training (standard mean difference = 7.13, 95% confidence interval = 2.34, 11.92; p = 0.004) in pulmonary function (Dlco).
Conclusion
This meta-analysis suggests a beneficial effect of respiratory training for improving pulmonary function
the idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients.