INSPIRATORY MUSCLE TRAINING IN PULMONARY REHABILITATION OF POST-ICU PATIENTS AFFECTED BY COVID-19 – A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Many patients who have recovered from severe infection caused by the virus that causes COVID-19 may experience persistent symptoms and lung damage, such as pulmonary fibrosis and reduced breathing capacity. Pulmonary rehabilitation is an essential therapeutic approach for post-ICU (Intensive Care Unit) patients who have been affected by COVID-19 and have significant pulmonary impairment. Among the techniques used in pulmonary rehabilitation programs for patients with these conditions, inspiratory muscle training stands out. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate, in the light of the literature, the benefits of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in the pulmonary rehabilitation of patients affected by COVID-19 post-ICU. This is an integrative literature review, whose searches were carried out in SCIELO, BVS and PUBMED. As descriptors, the following were used: “Covid-19”, “pulmonary rehabilitation”, “physiotherapy methods and techniques”, “respiratory muscle training”, “inspiratory muscle training” and “post-ICU. The searches resulted in 553 identified articles, among which only 5 met the eligibility criteria and were included in the study. Studies indicate, among other things, that IMT acts to restore lung function, increasing inspiratory muscle strength, increasing exercise tolerance, contributing to the prevention of muscle fatigue and assisting in pulmonary rehabilitation, as well as improving the quality of life. of life for these patients. There is still no consensus related to the indication of training time, highlighting the importance of new studies aimed at this purpose.