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For people with tetraplegia, regular use of a resistance-based inspiratory muscle trainer (IMT) promotes stronger respiratory muscles and improves lung capacity.

An IMT program has been shown to reduce the risk of developing respiratory complications such as pneumonia after spinal cord injury, by increasing lung volumes and strength of respiratory muscles. This is particularly important in winter, when the incidence of respiratory infections increases.

The training program is easy to complete at home using a lightweight, inexpensive device. After it is set up, training can usually be performed independently.

Inspiratory muscle training program

• Using the IMT, attach the mouthpiece to the tube and turn the opposite end dial until the red line aligns with the black line at the setting 9cm H2O.
• With your lips sealed around the mouthpiece, take a deep and slow breath in for 3 seconds, trying to lift and expand your chest.
• Relax and breathe out gently, either by letting air out around the outside of the mouthpiece or by removing your mouth from the mouthpiece and exhaling.
• One deep breath in and a relaxed breath out – this is one repetition.
• Perform 3 – 5 sets of 10 – 12 repetitions, with a short rest in between sets. Do these twice a day for five days per week.*
• To progress the training, try increasing the pressure by 10% every week, or more often if it is very easy. Try to increase the number of repetitions.
• Increase the pressure by turning the dial.

Note: If you have any questions, please contact your physiotherapist or spinal cord injury service for more information about IMT or for a more personalised respiratory exercise program and advice.

During this time, telehealth appointments are available for extra support.

Cleaning the IMT

You may need assistance to set up the IMT and cleaning the device. Good hand hygiene and disposable gloves should be used by your care team.

1. wash hands
2. put on gloves
3. remove mouthpiece from device and clean both mouthpiece and device in warm soapy water
4. rinse and shake off excess water
5. allow both pieces to air dry
6. remove gloves
7. wash hands.

Different ways of setting up an IMT

An IMT can be clamped or fixed to a surface to facilitate independent training, particularly for those who have limited arm function. See examples below of flexible or fixed arm devices and the different ways to mount them to remove the need for holding the device.

Commercially available, adjustable microphone holders and mobile phone holders may also be suitable. Many of these items can be found at your local hardware store or online.

Examples of different ways to clamp IMT for independent use

Note: Take care when lining up a wheelchair with the device - drive slowly towards the IMT.

* Boswell-Ruys, C., Lewis, C., Wijeysuriya, N., McBain, R., Lee, B., McKenzie, D., Gandevia, S., Butler, J. (2020). Impact of respiratory muscle training on respiratory muscle strength, respiratory function and quality of life in individuals with tetraplegia: a randomized clinical trial. Thorax, 75; pp. 279 – 288.

Document information

Developed by

• Dr Bonne Lee – Prince of Wales Hospital and Neuroscience Research Australia
• Dr Chaminda Lewis – Prince of Wales Hospital
• Professor Simon Gandevia – Neuroscience Research Australia
• NSW Spinal Outreach Service IMT Client Handout.

Consultation

• Spinal cord injury community of practice
• Respiratory community of practice.

Reviewed by

Spinal cord injury community of practice.

For use by

People with spinal cord injury and their carers.