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Objective: Clinical control of asthma can be achieved with a proper pharmacological treatment. Therapy such as pulmonary rehabilitation and inspiratory muscle training (IMT) may also be beneficial. Aim of this study was to investigate effects of IMT on respiratory muscle strength, exercise capacity, physical fitness level and activity of daily life in asthmatics. Methods: Our study was carried out with 12 asthmatics (mean age:50.8±12.3years, FEV 1 (%):87.4±26.2). Outcome measurements were maximal inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory pressures (MEP), six minutes walk test (6MWT), Modified Borg Scale, London Chest Activities of Daily Living (LCADL), Senior Fitness Test. IMT was performed with a pressure threshold training device (POWERBreathe, HaB International, Ltd.Southam, UK) for 6 weeks, performed 30 dynamic inspiratory efforts twice daily at a pressure load of 50%MIP, reached at 80%MIP at 6 weeks. Participants were invited to the hospital for two days a week to control and determine training work load. Results: MIP(kPa)(p:0.00), MIP(%)(p:0.01) were significantly increased after IMT.There were significant differences in 6MWT distance (p=0.01), LCADL physical (p=0.02), domestic activities (p=0.01) subgroups. Eight-foot-up-go (p=0.02), chair sit-up (p=0.01), two-minute step (p=0.00), chair sit-reach (p=0.01) physical fitness scores were significant after IMT. Conclusions: Our results showed that inspiratory muscle training could increase respiratory muscle strength, physical fitness level, exercises capacity, activity of daily life in asthmatics. IMT can be an effective approach in asthmatics.

Background: The most important consequence of dyspnea is reduction physical fitness and physical activity levels. In the literature, there are not enough studies evaluating the consequence of dyspnea asthmatics. Objectives: The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between dyspnea withphysical fitness,daily living activity and anxiety-depression in people with asthma. Methods: The study was carried out with 33 asthmatics (mean age 45.2±16.1 years, FEV 1 (%):92.1±23.8). Outcome measurements were Modified Medical Resource Council (MMRC) dyspnea questionnaire, London Chest Activity of Daily Living (LCADL) scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Senior Fitness Test which consists of back stretch, chair sit-up, arm curl, two-minute step, sit-reach, eight-foot-up-go tests and six minutes walk test (6MWT). Results: MMRC scorewasnegatively correlated withchair sit-up (r=-.476, p=.006), arm curl right (r=-.376, p=0.03), arm curl left (r=-.491, p=0.00) scores, 6MWT distance (r=-.387, p=0.03). Positive correlations were found between MMRC and LCADL physical (r=.433, p=0.01), domestic activities (r=.510, p=0.00), self-care (r=.389, p=0.02) subgroups scores. There were significant correlations between MMRC and anxiety (r=.411, p=0.02), depression (r=.439, p=0.01) scores. Conclusions: Our results indicate that increases in dyspnea may lead to decrease in physical fitness, daily living activity and increase anxiety-depression levels in asthmatic people.

Introduction: Thermal imaging(TI) is a non-invasive technique that visually represents the process in exercise training. Aim was to evaluate skin temperature of trunk in asthmatics during two different breathing. Method: 5 women with asthma were included (FEV1(%):92.0±13.7). Maximal inspiratory pressures were measured and inspiratory muscle training was performed with a pressure device(POWERBreathe) at 50%MIP. They performed 30 thoracic, 30 diaphragmatic breathing on separate days. TI sequences of anterior trunk were recorded by thermal imaging camera (FLIR-Ex series). Results: Frequencies of the max skin temperature localizations . | | Thoracic breathing Most localized trunk area, (%) | Diaphragmatic breathing Most localized trunk area, (%) | || | Pre-training | Sternum, (60%) | Sternum, (40%) | | 10th breathing | Sternum, (40%) | Right intercostals muscles, (40%) | | 20th breathing | Sternum, (40%) | Right intercostals muscles, (40%) | | 30th breathing | Sternum, (40%) | Right intercostals muscles, (40%), Diaphragm, (40%) | | Recovery | Sternum, (40%) Left pectoral muscles (40%) | Sternum, (40%) | The frequencies of the maximum skin temperature localizations In comparison of max temperatures, significant difference was found between pre-training and 10th diaphragmatic (p=0.04). TI of 10th breathing of a subject during diaphragmatic breathing is shown. ![Figure][1] Conclusion: TI can be helpful as indirect assessment of the efficiency in medicine and pulmonary rehabilitation. [1]: pending:yes