Effects of IMT on Respiratory, Diaphragmatic and Balance Functions, Exercise Capacity and QOL in People After Stroke

Launched by HONG KONG METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY · Jun 1, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how a specific type of breathing exercise called Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) can help improve various functions in people who have had a stroke. The researchers want to see if doing these breathing exercises for four weeks can enhance breathing, balance, exercise ability, and overall quality of life for stroke survivors.

To participate in this study, individuals need to be between 40 and 80 years old and have experienced a stroke within the last 1 to 12 months. They should be able to breathe on their own, understand instructions, and walk at least 10 meters, either with or without help. However, people with certain health issues, like severe heart problems or respiratory illnesses, will not be eligible to join. Throughout the trial, participants will engage in supervised exercises and receive support to help monitor their progress and well-being. This research could provide valuable insights into helping stroke survivors regain strength and improve their daily lives.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • aged between 40 and 80 years;
• • breathing spontaneously;
• • clinically diagnosed with ischemic and/or haemorrhagic stroke;
• • stroke duration from onset between 1 and 12 months;
• • no history of thoracic or abdominal surgery within the last 6 months;
• • able to understand and follow verbal instructions;
• • no facial palsy, or mild facial palsy without limitation of labial occlusion;
• • capable of maintaining a resting sitting posture without feet support for at least 30 seconds;
• • no cognitive impairment, as indicated by a Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score of ≥ 26;
• • able to independently walk at least 10 meters with or without an assistive device.
• Exclusion criteria:
• • acute myocardial infarction or acute heart failure;
• • acute pain in any part of the body;
• • with respiratory illness or positive clinical signs of impaired respiratory function, such as shortness of breath, hypoxemia, chronic cough, or sputum retention;
• • with chronic cardiovascular dysfunction;
• • Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) score ≥ 20;
• • presence of a nasal feeding tube, tracheal tube, or any condition that prevents the measurement or implementation of the study procedure.