Respiratory muscle endurance training device and method for the use thereof

Abstract

A respiratory muscle endurance training device (RMET) includes a chamber and a patient interface. In one implementation, one or both of a CO, sensor or a temperature sensor can be coupled to the chamber or patient interface to provide the user or caregiver with indicia about the CO, level in, or the temperature of, the chamber or patient interface, and/or the duration of use of the device. In another implementation, the RMET may have a fixed volume portion adjustable to contain a measured portion of a specific patient's inspiratory volume capacity. Methods of using the device are also provided.

1 . A respiratory muscle endurance training device comprising:
 an adjustable chamber adjustable between at least a first interior volume and a second interior volume, said adjustable chamber comprising an output end; and   a patient interface connected to said output end of said chamber.   
     
     
         2 . The respiratory muscle endurance training device of  claim 1  wherein said chamber Further comprises an input end and a one-way inhalation valve disposed proximate said input end of said chamber. 
     
     
         3 . The respiratory muscle endurance training device of  claim 2  further comprising a one-way exhalation valve disposed proximate said input end of said chamber. 
     
     
         4 . The respiratory muscle endurance training device of  claim 1  further comprising a flow indicator moveable in response to one or both of an inhalation and exhalation. 
     
     
         5 . The respiratory muscle endurance training device of  claim 1  wherein said adjustable chamber comprises first and second tubular members, wherein said first and second tubular members interface and are moveable relative to each other between at least a first and second position so as to define said first and second interior volumes. 
     
     
         6 . The respiratory muscle endurance training device of  claim 1  further comprising a CO 2  sensor coupled to at least one of said chamber and said patient interlace. 
     
     
         7 . The respiratory muscle endurance training device of  claim 6  wherein said CO 2  sensor comprises a Fenem colorimetic indicator disposed on an interior of one of said chamber and said patient interface. 
     
     
         8 . The respiratory muscle endurance training device of  claim 1  further comprising a temperature sensor coupled to at least one of said chamber and said patient interface. 
     
     
         9 . The respirator muscle endurance training device of  claim 8  wherein said temperature sensor is mounted on an exterior of said at least one of said chamber and said patient interface. 
     
     
         10 - 34 . (canceled)