Article

BACKGROUND: The changes effected by the inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on the
structure of inspiratory muscles such as on the diaphragm, in patients with
stroke, is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of IMT on inspiratory
function, diaphragm thickness, walking endurance, and fatigue in patients with
stroke. METHODS: A total of 30 patients with stroke were randomized to either the
experimental group or the control group. The experimental group (n = 15)
underwent inspiratory muscle training with resistance adjusted to 30% of maximal
inspiratory pressure, 90 breaths a day, 5 times a week for 6 weeks. Both groups
received regular physical therapy for the same amount of time. The primary
outcome measure was the diaphragm thickness ratio. The secondary outcomes were
inspiratory function; maximal inspiratory pressure and inspiratory muscle
endurance; and gait endurance and fatigue. RESULTS: There were significant
differences between the two groups in the thickness ratio on the affected
diaphragm thickness (medium effect size), maximal inspiratory pressure (medium
effect size), and inspiratory muscle endurance (large effect size; Bonferroni
correction p < 0.005). The gait endurance (medium effect size) and fatigue (small
effect size) showed no significant differences in the between group comparison.
CONCLUSION: Inspiratory muscle training was effective in improving respiratory
function and inducing structural changes, especially in the affected diaphragm.

Langue : ANGLAIS