Benefits of inspiratory muscle training under indirect home supervision in patients with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1

Abstract

Introduction: The presence of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) associated with neuropathy (myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis - HAM/TSP), can generate morphological and functional changes in the respiratory system. As a preventive therapeutic possibility for respiratory dysfunctions, it is expected that the already conceptualized inspiratory muscle training, when performed at home, can be a therapeutic resource that favors adherence to treatment. Objective: To evaluate respiratory muscle strength in patients with HTLV-1 after participating in a home respiratory muscle training protocol under indirect supervision. Method: This was a clinical, longitudinal, prospective, quantitative, and single-center trial approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the State University of Pará, opinion no. 2.695.505 and registered in clinical trials NCT03829709. Six HTLV-1 patients participated in a 5-week home respiratory muscle training protocol lasting 30 minutes daily through a linear load inspiratory muscle trainer. For the characterization of the imposed load, they were submitted to manovacuometry during pre (T0), peri (T3), and post (T5) treatment. Results: Six individuals completed the program, of which 83.33% were female and 16.66% male. With the application of respiratory muscle training, it was possible to achieve a significant increase (p < 0.011) of the maximum inspiratory pressure as shown when comparing T0 (66.8±12.58) to T5 (115.08±31.78). Conclusion: This study identified an increase in inspiratory muscle strength after HTLV-1 patients participated in a home muscle training protocol under indirect supervision.