Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Stroke Rehabilitation Outcomes

Launched by HONG KONG METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY · Oct 10, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how a special breathing exercise program, called inspiratory muscle training (IMT), can help people recover after having a stroke. The program lasts for four weeks and aims to improve breathing, balance, exercise ability, and overall quality of life. Researchers want to see if this training affects the way the diaphragm (a major muscle used in breathing) works together with other muscles that help with balance and movement.

To participate, individuals must be between 40 and 80 years old, have had a stroke within the last month to a year, and be able to walk at least 10 meters independently. They should be able to understand instructions and maintain a sitting position without support for 30 seconds. Those interested should not have certain health issues, such as severe heart problems or respiratory illnesses. Participants can expect to engage in a structured training program and will help researchers understand how breathing exercises may assist in stroke recovery.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age ≥ 40 years and \< 80 years;
• • breathing spontaneously;
• • clinically diagnosed with ischemic and/or haemorrhagic stroke;
• • duration of stroke from onset falls within 1 month to 12 months after diagnosis;
• • no 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;
• • able to maintain a resting sitting posture without feet support for at least 30 seconds;
• • no cognitive impairment (Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score ≥ 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 and sputum retention);
• • with chronic cardiovascular dysfunction;
• • Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) score ≥ 20.
• • patient with a nasal feeding tube, tracheal tube and/or any condition that prevents the measurement or the implementation of the study procedure.