Effect of Functional Inspiratory Muscle Training Versus Inspiratory Muscle Training on Trunk Control and Respiratory...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Respiratory Physiology

Background:

• Chronic stroke frequently impairs trunk control, respiratory function, and mobility.
• Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) aims to improve respiratory capacity, but its integration with functional exercises may enhance outcomes.
• Functional Inspiratory Muscle Training (FIMT) combines IMT with task-specific training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of FIMT versus standard IMT in individuals with chronic stroke.
• To evaluate the impact of FIMT on trunk control, respiratory muscle strength and endurance, balance, and gait.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, randomized controlled, double-blinded trial involving 42 chronic stroke participants.
• Interventions included eight weeks of Neurodevelopmental Therapy (NDT) combined with either FIMT or IMT, plus a home-based IMT program.
• Primary outcomes were Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) and maximal inspiratory pressures (MIP); secondary outcomes assessed trunk control, respiratory function, balance, gait, and functional capacity.

Main Results:

• Both FIMT and IMT groups showed improvements, but FIMT yielded significantly greater gains in trunk control (TIS, TCT), respiratory muscle strength and endurance (MIP, MEP, ITL), balance, and gait speed (p<0.05).
• FIMT demonstrated superior improvements in TIS (mean difference 2.62) and MIP (mean difference 7.48 cmH₂O).
• No significant differences were found in 6-minute walk test distance, spirometry, or Barthel Index scores between groups.

Conclusions:

• FIMT is more effective than standard IMT for enhancing trunk control, respiratory muscle function, balance, and gait speed in chronic stroke patients.
• FIMT represents a potentially superior rehabilitation approach for improving functional outcomes post-stroke.
• Further research should explore long-term effects and optimal FIMT protocols.