Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Respiration and Balance in Patients with Stroke: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

PURPOSE: Respiratory function can be adversely affected after a cerebrovascular accident. This study aimed to determine whether inspiratory muscle training (IMT) changes the respiration and balance abilities of patients with stroke.METHODS: Twelve patients with stroke were randomly assigned to the study (n=6) and control (n=6) groups. The study and control groups received IMT and general physical therapy, respectively for 6 weeks, five times a week for 30 min/day. Inspiratory and expiratory functions and balance were measured pre- and post-evaluation.RESULTS: After IMT intervention, the weight distribution ratio (WDR) for balance ability measurement was significantly decreased (<i>p</i><.05), and the maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximum inspiratory flow rate (MIFR), maximum inspiratory capacity (MIC), peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV<sub>1</sub>), and limits of stability (LOS) were significantly increased in the study group (<i>p</i><.05). A comparison of the study and control groups revealed statistically significant differences in MIP (<i>p</i><0.01), MIFR (<i>p</i><.01), MIC (<i>p</i><.05), PEF (<i>p</i><.05), FEV<sub>1</sub> (<i>p</i><.05), WDR (<i>p</i><.01), and LOS (<i>p</i><.05).CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that IMT is a useful and effective exercise intervention for patients with stroke.