Evaluation of respiratory muscle training interventions on pulmonary function in critical care: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Background : A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to July 2024 evaluated the efficacy of respiratory muscle training (RMT) on pulmonary function in critically ill patients. Methods : The Ovid Medline was searched for RCTs (in English) examining RMT or related interventions ( e.g. , inspiratory/expiratory muscle training, non-invasive support) on respiratory muscle strength ( e.g. , maximum inspiratory (PI max ), maximum expiratory (PE max ) and clinical outcomes. Methodological quality followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a random-effects model, with heterogeneity assessed using I 2 statistics. Results : Data from six RCTs, encompassing a total of 299 participants, were included in the analysis, among whom 152 were allocated to intervention groups and 147 to control groups. Despite the heterogeneity of the interventions, all shared the common objective of enhancing pulmonary function parameters, particularly PI max and PE max , which serve as indicators of respiratory muscle strength. A high
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 299 participants or records.
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