Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Ideas for Inspiratory Muscle Training in Patients With Subacute Stroke

This study aimed to elucidate the outcome of an Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) rehabilitation intervention on the lung function, functional mobilization, balance, and peripheral muscle strength of the paretic side in patients with subacute stroke.

This double-blind, randomized controlled trial study was conducted on patients with stable subacute stroke. For 8 weeks, the intervention group (n=16) received 40% intensity IMT while the control group (n=16) received 10% intensity IMT. We assessed the patients’ lung function (spirometer) before and after the intervention, as well as their pulmonary muscle strength (micro-respiratory pressure meter [RPM]), quadriceps strength (handheld dynamometer), grip strength (Jamar), walking speed (10-m walk test), balance (Berg Balance Scale [BBS]), and functional mobilization (sit-to-stand test). 

There were significant differences between the intervention group and the control group after IMT for forced vital capacity (FVC)% (P<0.01; d=3.20), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1)/FVC (P<0.001; d=2.55), FEV1% (P<0.001; d=5.10), walking speed (P<0.05; d=1.62), hand grip (P<0.001; d=2.45), quadriceps strength (P<0.001; d=4.18), functional mobilization (P<0.01; d=2.41), and maximal inspiratory mouth pressure (P<0.001; d=1.62), but no significant changes were seen in balance (P=0.304; d=0.57).

IMT improved lung function, functional mobilization, handgrip strength, and quadriceps strength on the paretic side of subacute stroke patients and is expected to improve functional status and allow the patient to participate in social activities. IMT exercise can be included in the rehabilitation program for subacute stroke patients.