Effects of Respiratory Muscle Training on the Respiratory Function, Balance, and Activities of Daily Living in Patients with Stroke

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effects of respiratory muscle training on respiratory function, balance, and activities of daily living (ADL) in patients with stroke. METHODS: The study included 21 patients with stroke, divided into the experimental group and control group. Both groups underwent traditional physical therapy once a day for 30 minutes, five times weekly for 6 weeks. The experimental group underwent additional respiratory muscle training once a day, five times a week during the study period. Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), Berg balance scale (BBS), and Korean-modified Barthel index (K-MBI) were measured before and after the study period. For statistical analysis, paired t-test was used to compare the difference between the pre and post values. Independent t-test was used compare the differences between groups. RESULTS: Both groups had significantly improved MIP, MEP, BBS, and K-MBI scores after the study period. The experimental group had significantly improved MIP, MEP, BBS, and K-MBI scores. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that respiratory muscle training improves respiratory function, balance, and ADL in patients with stroke.