Dofin^TM has been confirmed to assist lung function recovery by increasing MIP, MEP to patients who have a history of stroke, Parkinson’s diseases, spinal muscular atrophy, COPD, and lung cancer surgery.

Stroke patients, as an example, often experience respiratory muscle weakness, swallowing disturbances, decreased peak expiratory flow, blunted reflexive cough, impaired voluntary cough, and those symptoms could be alleviated by Dofin^TM because it significantly improves respiratory muscle strength, FVC, FEV1, and fatigue. Also, the research claims that the improvement in post-stroke dysphagia and dysarthria were also enhanced¹ .

Another research shows that Dofin^TM could not only improve pulmonary function (FVC、FEV1、MIP、MEP), but also simultaneously improve cardiovascular autonomic function and short-term functional outcomes in patients with Parkinson’s diseases (PD), and ventilator dependent². The following figure indicated that the patient used a ventilator for more than 21 days after using Dofin^TM. The result shows a slight increase in Pimax and a significant decrease in RSBI compared to RCC and extubation³.

Figure(1). Weekly changes of Pimax and RSBI.

A recent trial also confirmed that Dofin^TM could increase the maximum exhalation pressure, peak expiratory flow rate, and tidal volume on COPD patients after using it continuously for four weeks. The patient also felt that dyspnea had improved⁴.

Figure(2). Data analysis before and after respiratory muscle training.

Another research shows that in patients with spinal muscular atrophy, their MEP and PEFR performance were increasing after 6 weeks of using Dofin^TM continuously. However, there is no data to show there is a significant difference in the healthy quality of life scores⁵.

Breathing Trainer can be applied to patients recovering from lung cancer surgery. The results of given home training such as Dofin^TM Breathing Trainer patiently showed the increase of anaerobic threshold oxygen uptake and maximal oxygen uptake after testing by the cardiopulmonary exercise. The quality of life scale and the psychological aspect score have also improved. The result showed the Respiratory muscle strength training combined with traditional cardiopulmonary physical therapy can effectively improve cardiopulmonary function and improve the quality of life of patients after lung cancer surgery⁶.

To sum up, Dofin^TM can be used in many kinds of patients, such as stroke, neuromuscular disease, COPD, ventilator-dependent patients. It can not only improve patients’ respiratory index but also make their life quality better. With the aging of the population, the proportion of chronic diseases is increasing, so that this product can play its role in clinic.

Adina Su, Market Monitor Specialist
Adina Su is a market watcher and trend monitor at GaleMed. With a background in Respiratory Therapy, she provides technical solution support across the care continuum. She has a passion for product training, and likes to share her knowledge that contributes to the clinical environment.

The resources:

1. 2020 Respiratory muscle training in stroke patients with respiratory muscle weakness, dysphagia, and dysarthria– a prospective randomized trial- Kaohsiung Chang Gung Hospital Rehabilitation Dr. Liao Mei Yun
2. 2020 Simultaneously Improved Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Autonomic Function and Short-Term Functional Outcomes in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease after Respiratory Muscle Training- Research paper of Dr. Cheng Xian Lu, Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Hospital
3. 2019【 Abstract 】 Experience of respiratory muscle trainers in respiratory care for patients using ventilators for a long period of time - RT Rui-Jun Wang, Hsinchu Taiwan University Hospital
4. 2020【 Abstract 】 The inspiratory muscle training experience of a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease- Home nurse Liu Yujun
5. 2020 Effects of respiratory muscle training on respiratory function and quality of life in patients with spinal cord injury muscular dystrophy - Master's thesis by Weiming Li, Kaohsiung Medical University
6. 2018【 Abstract 】 Improvement of quality of life in patients with lung cancer after respiratory muscle resistance training - a case report - PT Chung Jinghui, Kaohsiung Wing General Hospital