POWERbreathe KH2 IMT
The POWERbreathe KH2 IMT with Breathe-Link Medic Live Feedback Software applies the tried and trusted principles of resistance (weight) training to the inspiratory muscles. Think of it as ‘dumbbells for the diaphragm’. When the inspiratory muscles overload regularly for a period of a few weeks, they adapt. They become stronger and more resistant to fatigue. Activating stronger inspiratory muscles requires less effort during a given task, reducing dyspnoea.
Dyspnoea, or breathlessness, is the main debilitating symptom of cardiorespiratory disease but it is also a common symptom in other conditions and in all cases, it has a profoundly impairing influence upon the quality of life and independence.
Strengthening the inspiratory muscles has a universally beneficial effect upon dyspnoea and dyspnoea shows improvement by specific strength training of the inspiratory muscles.
KH2 Training Resistance
The POWERbreathe KH2 uses an electronically controlled, rapid-response valve to create a resistance to inhalation.
Training against this resistance causes the inspiratory muscles to adapt, becoming stronger and more resistant to fatigue. This leads to reduced breathlessness and improved exercise tolerance and quality of life.
As the patient breathes through the POWERbreathe KH2 you will notice that they gradually have to work harder to breathe in. This is the effect of resistance training acting on the inspiratory muscles (primarily the diaphragm and intercostal muscles). When breathing out, there is no resistance and the patient should breathe out normally. This allows the chest and breathing muscles to relax, naturally pushing the air from their lungs.
The POWERbreathe KH2 training resistance matches the dynamic changes in breathing muscle strength throughout the breath. It can automatically adapt to increases in inspiratory muscle strength at the beginning of each training session.
How are results displayed?
Results display on screen following a training or assessment session, or shown in real-time using the Breathe-Link Medic PC software supplied. Parameters displayed include Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (cmH2O, highest 1 second average), Peak Inspiratory Flow (L/s), Training load (cmH2O), Average Power (Watts), Average inhaled volume (L) and Energy (Joules).
Precautions & Contraindications
POWERbreathe IMT is drug free, suitable for almost anyone and should cause no harmful side effects when used properly. Please read the following precautions and contraindications to ensure that POWERbreathe IMT is used safely and appropriately.
Precautions:
- The patient must not make changes to any prescribed medication or prescribed treatment programme without consulting their doctor.
- A patient must not use the POWERbreathe IMT device whilst taking part in other activities where they may become distracted, such as walking, running and driving.
- POWERbreathe IMT should not be used if the patient is suffering from a ruptured eardrum or any other condition of the eardrum.
- It is not recommended to use POWERbreathe IMT if the patient has suffered from or are likely to suffer from Costochondritis.
- To prevent the potential transmission of infections, we recommend that POWERbreathe IMT is not shared with other users, including family members.
- This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
- POWERbreathe IMT is designed for exercising the inspiratory muscles only. No other use is intended or implied.
- Anyone who is under the age of 16 should only use POWERbreathe IMT with supervision from an adult. POWERbreathe IMT contains small parts and is not suitable for children under 7 years.
- Whilst training with POWERbreathe IMT, the patient should feel resistance when inhaling but it should not be painful. If the patient feels pain whilst using POWERbreathe IMT, they should stop immediately and consult their doctor.
- Some users may experience slight ear discomfort when training with POWERbreathe IMT, especially if they are recovering from a cold. This is caused by inadequate equalisation of pressure between the mouth and ears. If symptoms persist, patients should consult their doctor.
- If a patient is suffering from a cold, sinusitis or respiratory tract infection, we advise that they do not use POWERbreathe IMT until symptoms have disappeared.
- If a patient starts to feel dizzy using POWERbreathe IMT, please recommend that they pause until recovered and take longer gaps between breaths.
The Healthcare Professional should take into consideration the following conditions before patients use POWERbreathe IMT:
- A history of spontaneous pneumothorax (a collapsed lung that was not due to traumatic injury e.g. broken rib), as it may lead to a recurrence of the condition.
- Pulmonary hypertension or large bullae on chest x-ray.
- Marked osteoporosis with history of rib fractures.
- Desaturation during or following IMT (<94%).
Contraindications
Inspiratory muscle training, such as training with POWERbreathe, is not recommended for patients with certain conditions, including the following:
- Patients who have undergone recent abdominal surgery and those with an abdominal hernia.
- Asthma patients who have a very low symptom perception and suffer from frequent, severe exacerbations or with an abnormally low perception of dyspnoea
- If a patient is suffering from a ruptured eardrum or any other condition of the ear
- Patients with marked elevated left ventricular end-diastolic volume and pressure
- Patients with worsening heart failure signs and symptoms after RMT / IMT
- If a patient is suffering from a cold, sinusitis or respiratory tract infection, we advise that they do not use their POWERbreathe IMT device.
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