Clinical Research Directory

Functional Inspiratory Training in Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory disease clinically characterized by recurrent pulmonary exacerbations, chronic cough, and sputum production, and is associated with an increase in the airway-artery ratio and permanent airway dilatation. It is recognized as the third most common chronic respiratory disease after chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. In the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10), it has its own diagnostic code (J47.9). In bronchiectasis, mucociliary clearance is impaired due to bronchial dilatation, and the insufficient clearance of bacteria and mucus from the respiratory tract leads to persistent infection, inflammation, and further airway damage. Progressive airway damage results in impaired lung function, worsening of symptoms, and, ultimately, respiratory failure and death. It can represent the final pathway of various infectious, allergic, inflammatory, genetic, and degenerative disorders, making it one of the most complex and heterogeneous syndromes. Some patients present with daily symptoms, while others remain asymptomatic except during exacerbations. The most common symptom is chronic cough caused by purulent or mucopurulent sputum. Other symptoms include dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, wheezing, fatigue, and weight loss. Fever, however, is not a common finding and differs from pneumonia. The most frequently used classification system categorizes bronchiectasis into varicose, cylindrical, and saccular (cystic) types. In the most severe form, the saccular type, the bronchi lose their structural integrity completely, forming cystic structures filled with secretions. The mildest form is cylindrical, in which the bronchi have thick, straight walls. In the varicose type, localized narrowings are observed. Diagnosis is made following history and physical examination, with high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) being the most sensitive and specific method, along with sputum culture and chest radiography. The goals of bronchiectasis treatment are to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve quality of life. Both pharmacological and patient-managed interventions are commonly applied. Pharmacological treatments include antibiotics, bronchodilators, and corticosteroids, which are generally administered via inhalation. Patient-managed interventions require active participation and behavioral modification. Within published guidelines, airway clearance techniques are widely described under pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), but there is no consensus regarding PR itself. For individuals with reduced exercise tolerance, participation in PR and engagement in physical activity are recommended. However, research has shown that referral rates to PR are often low, and exercise and physical activity are not consistently prescribed. Within PR, techniques such as the active cycle of breathing techniques (ACBT), postural drainage, thoracic expansion exercises, and various airway clearance methods are applied, with inspiratory muscle training (IMT) forming an important component. Functional inspiratory muscle training (FIMT) is an IMT program developed by considering not only the ventilatory roles of the respiratory muscles but also their non-respiratory functions. FIMT integrates inspiratory muscle training with core stabilization and postural control exercises. The rhythmic co-contractions of the muscles in the core region support trunk stability and provide the basis for movement. In the first stage of the program, participants receive IMT, and subsequently, core stabilization training and dynamic trunk activation exercises are incorporated into the intervention. A review of the literature reveals that no studies have investigated the effectiveness of FIMT in adults with bronchiectasis. In our study, we aim to evaluate the effects of FIMT, applied in addition to home-based chest physiotherapy, on pulmonary function, diaphragm thickness, balance, core stability, functional capacity, physical activity, posture, and quality of life in adults with bronchiectasis. Furthermore, we aim to compare these outcomes with those of IMT applied alongside home-based chest physiotherapy. We believe that this approach will contribute to the development of treatment strategies in clinical practice and help address existing gaps in the literature.

Effectiveness of Functional Respiratory Muscle Training in Post-COVID-19 Syndrome

This study aims to investigate the effects of core stabilization exercises and functional inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on various physiological and psychological parameters in individuals with post-COVID-19 syndrome. Participants diagnosed with post-COVID-19 syndrome will be randomly assigned to two groups using stratified computer-assisted randomization. One group will undergo an 8-week core stabilization training, while the other will receive combined core stabilization and IMT training. Exercise training will be conducted three times a week, with each session lasting 50 minutes. Comprehensive pre- and post-intervention assessments will be conducted, including exercise capacity, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, trunk endurance, balance, anxiety, depression, and fatigue levels. The primary outcome measures are respiratory muscle strength and trunk endurance. Participants must be aged 18-65 years, have at least a primary education level, speak Turkish, and be classified as level 2-3 on the Post-COVID-19 Functional Status Scale (PCFS). Eligible participants will be referred by the Internal Medicine Department at Hacettepe University. The study will utilize various assessment tools, including maximal inspiratory/expiratory pressure (MIP/MEP) tests, Functional Movement Screen (FMS), plank and Sorenson endurance tests, the Timed Up and Go Test for balance, handgrip and knee extension strength tests, body composition analysis, and the SF-36 quality of life questionnaire.

Effect of Functional Inspiratory Muscle Training in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

This study aims to investigate the effects of functional inspiratory muscle training, basic inspiratory muscle training and physical activity in addition to respiratory exercises on respiratory muscle strength, respiratory function, cognition, walking, balance, functional exercise capacity, physical activity, quality of life and core muscles in volunteer Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients. This study is planned as a prospective, randomized and experimental study.