The effect of inspiratory muscle training on pulmonary function and diaphragm movement after stroke / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To investigate the effect of inspiratory muscle training on the lung function and diaphragm movement of stroke survivors.Methods:Twenty-four stroke survivors were randomly divided into a control group and an experimental group. Both groups were given routine rehabilitation therapy, while the experimental group was additionally provided with 20 minutes of inspiratory muscle training, 5 times per week for 4 weeks. Before and after the treatment, the forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) expressed as percentages of the predicted values were used to assess ventilation. The maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and peak inspiratory flow (PIF) were used to assess inspiratory muscle function. Diaphragm mobility, as well as the diaphragm′s thickness at the end of expiration (DTee) and inspiration (DTei) and the diaphragm thickening fraction (DTF) were measured using ultrasonography. Any pulmonary infection was also recorded.Results:There was no significant difference between the two groups in any of the measurements before treatment. After the intervention the average FVC, FEV1, MIP, PIF, diaphragm mobility, DTei and DTF of the experimental group were all significantly better than before treatment and significantly better than the control group′s averages. However, no significant difference was found in the average PEF or DTee, nor in the rate of pulmonary infection between the two groups.Conclusion:Inspiratory muscle training can effectively improve ventilation, inspiratory muscle function, diaphragm mobility and diaphragm thickness at the end of inspiration among stroke survivors.