Inspiratory muscle training for advanced cancer patients 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A pilot study to investigate whether inspiratory muscle training and exercise goal setting can improve functional ability and relieve the symptoms of dyspnoea in advanced cancer patients
IRAS ID
137908
Contact name
Heidi M Sowter
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Derby
Research summary
Inspiratory (breathing) muscle training (IMT) has been shown to give significant health benefits to people with some lung disorders. It involves breathing into a hand-held device for 30 breaths twice a day, and is easily manageable by most people. We are conducting a pilot study to see if IMT, in combination with breathing control techniques, can reduce breathlessness symptoms in advanced cancer patients and help them to achieve self-set physical goals.
Invited participants will have advanced cancer but will NOT be on active treatment; one group will practice IMT and set themselves physical goals for 8 weeks; this can be done at home. The other group would act as a control and will not be given the IMT device or goal setting advice. Consented participants will be randomly placed in one of the 2 groups.
All participants will be asked to complete some simple measurements at the start and end of the 8 weeks; a questionnaire that estimates quality of life related to breathlessness, a breath test to estimate lung function and inspiratory muscle strength and a gentle fitness test (walking at their own pace for 6 minutes). This will take place at the University of Derby.
Participants in the IMT group will be taught breathing control techniques and how to use the IMT device at the start of the study, and be given a diary to record their achievement of self-set weekly goals (for example, walking to the shops). At the end of the study, these participants will be invited to take part in a focus group where they can give feedback about any aspect of the study.
Participants in the control group will be offered breathing control techniques and goal setting advice AFTER they have completed their 8 week measurements.
REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/EM/0112
Date of REC Opinion
26 Mar 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion