BACKGROUND: Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) is an effective rehabilitation modality for individuals with chronic lung disease. IMT can improve dyspnea, exercise capacity, and health-related quality of life. Online resources are common sources of health information for individuals. This study is the first to: 1) evaluate the content, reliability, quality, and comprehensibility of IMT-related videos and websites for individuals with chronic lung disease, and 2) determine the characteristics of these online resources. METHODS: The search term "(respiratory muscle training) OR (inspiratory muscle training)" was used to evaluate the first 200 consecutive YouTube videos and 200 Google websites on IMT for chronic lung disease management. Online resources were evaluated using validated scoring metrics: modified DISCERN tool, Global Quality Scale (GQS), and Patient Education Materials Assessment Tools (PEMAT) understandability and actionability. Content comprising key IMT components was also scored. RESULTS: Forty videos and fourteen websites were included, with majority uploaded by for-profit organizations. Content scores (out of 25) were low (videos 7.7 ± 4.4
websites 11.4 ± 5.3, p = 0.01). Benefits of IMT were often highlighted, but safety considerations were infrequently mentioned. Resources scored poorly on modified DISCERN (videos 2/5 IQR[1.0-3.0]
websites 3.5/5 IQR[2.0-4.0], p = 0.001), and GQS scores (videos 2/5 IQR[2.0-3.0]
websites 3/5 IQR[2.8-3.3], p = 0.003). Online resources met the PEMAT threshold (>
70 %) for understandability, but not actionability. CONCLUSIONS: Online IMT resources have mainly focused on the benefits of IMT and majority were developed by for-profit organizations. There is a need for high-quality, evidence-based online resources, as IMT is an important rehabilitation modality for chronic lung disease management.