Effect of Preoperative Inspiratory Muscle Training on Alveolar-Arterial Oxygen Gradients After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Preoperative Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) with the Powerbreathe device was assessed with regard to whether A-a gradients and inspiratory muscle power would be improved after CABG.  A group of 40 male patients were randomized to receiving (20) or not receiving (20) preop IMT.  Postoperatively, the group receiving IMT had significantly better lung function (inspiratory muscle power, A-a gradient, oxygen saturation) .