Respiratory muscle training improves the outcomes of stroke survivors

This study investigated the effectiveness of respiratory muscle training (RMT) as a treatment for stroke survivors with troubles speaking, breathing or swallowing. Researchers suggested that RMT might be a good supporting therapy to treat these patients.

A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is cut-off. This can be due to a blood clot or a burst blood vessel. Brain cells stop receiving oxygen and begin to die, losing their abilities to control body functions. This causes symptoms such as respiratory muscle weakness or impaired swallowing or speaking capacity.

Prior studies showed that a 3-week inspiratory/expiratory (I/E) RMT improves muscle strength and swallowing. However, the longer-term effects of I/E RMT in muscle strength, swallowing and impaired talking in stroke survivors are not clear.

This study included 21 patients with 6 months history of stroke. These patients had respiratory muscle weakness and difficulty in swallowing and talking. Participants were assigned to receive standard therapy (10) or I/E RMT (11) 5 days a week for 6 weeks.

Significant differences between both groups were seen in inspiratory and expiratory capacity. There was a positive change in fatigue (tiredness) and in voice function and loudness in the RMT group. Differences were also found in patients from the same group before and after RMT. There were also differences in performing daily activities and swallowing between the 2 treatment groups. 

This study concluded that I/E RMT might be a good and safe treatment option for stroke survivors with respiratory muscle weakness or trouble swallowing or talking.

This study included a limited number of participants. Further studies with bigger populations are necessary.