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Respiratory muscle strength training: functional outcomes versus plasticity
Christine M Sapienza1, Karen Wheeler
1Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA. sapienza@csd.ufl.edu
Expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) significantly improves respiratory muscle strength by up to 50% in healthy individuals, those with multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injury patients. This home-based protocol enhances expiratory muscle power effectively.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation
- Neuromuscular Physiology
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Respiratory muscle strength training (RMST) is a long-standing therapeutic approach.
- RMST has been applied across diverse populations, including those with neurological conditions and the elderly.
- Expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) specifically targets the muscles involved in exhalation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of a structured EMST program.
- To determine the impact of EMST on expiratory muscle strength.
- To assess potential functional outcome transfers and cortical plasticity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a pressure threshold device for EMST.
- Implemented a home-based protocol: 5 times/day, 5 days/week, ~15-20 minutes/day.
- Adjusted device threshold weekly to 75% of individual's maximum expiratory pressure (MEP).
Main Results:
- Achieved up to a 50% improvement in expiratory muscle strength.
- Demonstrated significant gains in healthy subjects, individuals with multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injury.
- Observed potential for transfer to functional outcomes.
Conclusions:
- EMST is an effective method for enhancing expiratory muscle strength.
- The training protocol shows promise for improving functional capacity in specific patient groups.
- Further research should explore the neuroplastic effects of EMST.
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