Respiratory Muscle Training Improves Strength and Decreases the Risk of Respiratory Complications in Stroke Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of respiratory muscle training in a population of stroke patients.

DATA SOURCES

The following databases were searched for clinical trials through December 2019: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure.

STUDY SELECTION

Randomized controlled trials (N=9) published in English met the inclusion criteria.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data were extracted and assessed for accuracy by 2 reviewers. Any disagreements were resolved after discussions with an independent third reviewer. The quality of the included randomized controlled trials was assessed using the Cochrane bias tool.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The meta-analysis showed increased maximal inspiratory pressure (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.62-1.15; P<.001; 12-wk follow-up period: SMD, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.42-1.45; P<.001), maximal expiratory pressure (SMD, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.15-1.52; P=.017; 12-wk follow-up period: SMD, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.47-1.51; P<.001), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (SMD, 1.41; 95% CI, 0.57-2.24; P=.001), forced vital capacity (SMD, 1.36; 95% CI, 0.55-2.16; P<.001), peak expiratory flow (SMD, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.16-1.32; P=.013), 6-minute walk test (SMD, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.11-1.23; P=.020), and decreased respiratory complications (odds ratio, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.30-1.00; P=.050) compared with no respiratory intervention or a sham intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Respiratory muscle training improved poststroke muscle strength and the benefits were carried over for up to 12 weeks, including improved lung function, walking capacity, and a reduced risk of respiratory impediments.