The Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Meta-analysis

Purpose: This study reports the respiratory muscle training effect on strength and endurance in individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Methods: Articles published from 1984 to 2017 were reviewed. Six articles met the inclusion criteria that included within-subject control or between-subject control group, participants with a diagnosis of only Duchenne muscular dystrophy, participation in respiratory muscle training intervention, and outcome measures of endurance and strength. Effect sizes were calculated for each study and overall, weighted mean effect sizes for strength and endurance outcome measures. Results: There was a large effect for improving respiratory endurance and a moderate effect for muscle strength. However, these effects were not significant. Conclusion: Findings justify further exploration of the potential benefits of respiratory muscle training for individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.