GB2278545A

GB2278545A - Inspiratory muscle training device

Info

Publication number: GB2278545A
Application number: GB9308285A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alison Kay Mcconnell
Original assignee: Loughborough University
Current assignee: Loughborough University
Priority date: 1993-04-21
Filing date: 1993-04-21
Publication date: 1994-12-07
Anticipated expiration: 2013-04-21
Also published as: GB9308285D0; GB2278545B

Abstract

The device comprises a branched tube arrangement 11 with mouthpiece 12, spring-loaded inlet valve 13 and one-way exhaust valve 14 on separate branches. Loading of the inlet valve may be adjusted by rotation of a sleeve 16 on the inlet branch 13a. A measuring arrangement may be provided for connection to means for controlling a training procedure. <IMAGE>

Description

INSPIRATORY MUSCLE TRAINING DEVICE This invention relates to inspiratory muscle training devices.

US Patent No. 4,854,574 discloses an inspiratory muscle training device comprising a tube arrangement having at one end a mouthpiece and at the other end a combined spring-loaded inlet poppet valve and one-way exhaust valve. The spring loading can be adjusted to demand different degrees of inspiratory effort.

This arrangement is expensive to manufacture and difficulties in use have been reported. In this regard it needs to be borne in mind that the device is prescribed for elderly patients who have inspiratory problems, and who may allow difficulty in use to curtail the use, losing benefit that might otherwise be gained therefrom.

The present invention provides an improved device which is less expensive to manufacture yet substantially easier to use.

The invention comprises an inspiratory muscle training device comprising a branched tube arrangement with mouthpiece, spring-loaded inlet valve and one-way exhaust valve on separate branches.

The tube arrangement may comprise a T-piece, the mouthpiece and exhaust valve being in line on the Tcrosspiece.

One branch of the arrangement may serve as a handle.

The loading of the inlet valve may be adjustable by rotating a sleeve on the inlet valve branch. The inlet valve may comprise a spring loaded poppet sealing against an end aperture on the sleeve which is threaded on a spigot on which the spring abuts.

The device may comprise a measuring arrangement, which may be connected to a control arrangement, to measure and/or control a training procedure.

One embodiment of an inspiratory muscle training device according to the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of the device; and Figure 2 is a part-sectional elevation of the device.

The inspiratory muscle training device illustrated in the drawings comprises a branched tube arrangement 11 with mouthpiece 12, spring-loaded inlet valve 13 and one-way exhaust valve 14 on separate branches 12a,13a,14a.

The tube arrangement 11 comprises a T-piece 15, the mouthpiece 12 and exhaust valve 14 being in line on the T-crosspiece 15a.

The branch 13a of the tube arrangement 11 serves as a handle.

The loading of the inlet valve 13 is adjustable by rotating a sleeve 16 on the inlet valve branch 13a.

The inlet valve 13 comprises a spring loaded poppet 17 sealing against an end aperture 18 on the sleeve 16 which is threaded on a spigot 19 on the T-piece 15. The spring 21 abuts on the spigot 19.

The end aperture 18 has a valve seat surface 18a against which an O-ring 17a of the poppet 17 seals, a spigot 17b of the poppet 17 being slidable lengthways in a hub 18b of the end aperture 18. Reduction in pressure in the device due to inspiration through the mouthpiece 12 lifts the poppet 17 off the seat 18a and admits air which flows to the mouthpiece via slots 17c in the poppet 17. The spring 21 has a rate of about 0.1 kg/cm and the thread has a 3 mm pitch so that one full turn changes the threshold "lift-off" pressure drop by about 5 cm water gauge, from an initial setting of 10 cm water gauge.

The device is easily fabricated from plastics and/or metal components, and is simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

The adjustment of the device is precise and straightforward and can be carried out even by patients with impaired dexterity.

Training procedures can involve a tidal breathing routine for e.g. 10 minutes, repeated, say, three times daily. The device can incorporate a simple timer that gives an audible or visual signal after a preset time interval or which locks open either the inlet or the exhaust valve so that overexercise is ruled out. A counter can be substituted for the timer to count down from a preset number of breathing cycles.

More sophisticated measuring and control arrangements might provide for a training routine that begins at a first threshold pressure, then advances to a second such and back to the first, for instance.

The device may be prescribed, as mentioned, for patients with respiratory problems, or as a prophylactic, or for athletic development.

Claims

1. An inspiratory muscle training device comprising a branched tube arrangement with mouthpiece, springloaded inlet valve and one-way exhaust valve on separate branches

2. A device according to claim 1, the tube arrangement comprising a T-piece, the mouthpiece and exhaust valve being in line on the T crosspiece.

3. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2, one branch of the tube arrangement serving as a handle.

4. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the loading of the inlet valve is adjustable by rotating a sleeve on the inlet valve branch.

5. A device according to claim 4, in which the inlet valve comprises a spring loaded poppet sealing against an end aperture on the sleeve which is threaded on a spigot on which the spring abuts.

6. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a measuring arrangement.