The sample for this investigation was selected in a randomized way in the period between December 2007 and November 2008. The individuals were successively entered in the research as they were admitted to the ICU, in respect of the criteria of inclusion and exclusion. From the total number of admitted patients in the period (n=67), many were excluded because they had been tracheostomized (n=25), were dead (n=13) or were transferred out of the hospital (n=1). Those that remained intubated (n=28) and went to the spontaneous mode were chosen randomly and in alternating fashion were divided into the experimental group (EG) or the control group (CG). The EG (n=14; age=82±4 years-old) underwent conventional physiotherapy plus inspiratory muscular training with threshold IMT® (Respironics/EUA - 2004), and the CG (n=14; age=81±6 years-old) received only conventional physiotherapy with no intervention that favored the inspiratory muscle strengthening.