Ultrabreathe lung exerciser

[JimO]

As a long term asthma and emphysema sufferer, I have been advised to use a lung exerciser. This device restricts the air flow into and/or out of the lungs, and forces the muscles that control the lung functions to work harder. Has anyone ever used such a piece of equipment and if so, has it been a success?

[National Jewish]

A respiratory muscle trainer should be helpful.  However there is conflicting evidence.  Some studies found that structural changes do occur.  These changes usually improve muscle function, strength and endurance.  Other studies found no benefit.

[starion]

Hi!  I have asthma & emphysema as well.  I was very interested in the various lung exercising devices available as well, including the PariPEP and AeroPEP.  I asked my pulmo about it & he had them add testing to my PFTs to see what my inspiratory & expiratory muscle strength are.  The test results show that both my inspiratory & expiratory muscle strength are very good, so he does NOT want me to use any of the exercise products, which he believes could worsen my condition.

Has your doc measured your inspiratory & expiratory muscle strength to determine whether exercise may even help your condition?

Aloha,
Starion

[AndyRRT]

I dont recomend such products to my patients. We have done a few studies with these products and they have not shown to improve spirometries at all.


AndyRRT

[Ellis7]

See:
http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/ucdhs/health/a-z/70COLungD/doc70daytoday.html
HOW IS CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE LUNG DISEASE MANAGED DAY TO DAY?
Excerpt:
"Exercise
...........
Inspiratory Muscle Training and Incentive Spirometer. Inspiratory muscle training involves exercises and devices that make inhaling more difficult in order to strengthen breathing muscles. In a 2001 study, patients who took part in a training group improved their breathing, walking capacity, and quality of life. The use of an incentive spirometer for 15 minutes twice a day may also be helpful as part of a training program. It also helps loosen sputum. This is a small hand-held device that contains a breathing gauge. The patient exhales and then inhales forcefully through the tube, using the pressure of the inhalation to raise the gauge to the highest level possible. A device called a peak inspiratory flow (PIF) meter measures the ability to air into the lungs and assesses the fitness of the breathing muscles."