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Evaluation of Respiratory Muscle Activation Using Respiratory Motor Control Assessment RMCA in Individuals with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury
09:37

Evaluation of Respiratory Muscle Activation Using Respiratory Motor Control Assessment RMCA in Individuals with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury

Published on: July 19, 2013

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Inspiratory muscle training and trunk control exercises on respiratory strength and motor function in spinal muscular

Görkem Ata1,2, Ayşe Nur Tunalı Van Den Berg3, Emre Dansuk3

  • 1Graduate School of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey. gata@medipol.edu.tr.

Scientific Reports
|December 19, 2025
PubMed

Insights

This study found that combining inspiratory muscle training (IMT) with trunk control exercises improved respiratory and motor functions in children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The combined approach showed clinically relevant benefits for children with SMA.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatrics
  • Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

  • Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a progressive neuromuscular disease causing respiratory muscle weakness and functional decline.
  • Effective rehabilitation strategies are crucial for managing SMA symptoms and improving quality of life in affected children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of respiratory exercises, inspiratory muscle training (IMT), and trunk control training on children with SMA.
  • To compare the efficacy of a pulmonary rehabilitation program with and without additional trunk control exercises.

Main Methods:

  • Thirty-eight children with SMA were randomized into two groups: a pulmonary rehabilitation group (PRG) and a trunk control group (TCG).
  • PRG performed breathing exercises and IMT, while TCG received the same plus trunk exercises over 8 weeks.
  • Outcomes included respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary function, peak cough flow, trunk control, upper limb function, and motor performance.

Main Results:

  • Both groups showed significant improvements in respiratory strength and motor outcomes.
  • Inspiratory muscle strength (MIP) increased substantially in both groups, with larger effect sizes in the TCG.
  • The TCG demonstrated additional significant gains in sitting balance, selective movement control, and upper limb function.

Conclusions:

  • Combining IMT with trunk control training is safe, feasible, and offers clinically relevant advantages for children with SMA.
  • This combined approach may enhance respiratory and motor function more effectively than IMT alone.

Keywords:
Breathing exercisesMaximal respiratory pressuresNeuromuscular diseasesRespiratory function testsSpinal muscular atrophy

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