OBJECTIVE: Inspiratory and expiratory muscles are important for effective respiratory function. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of bedside respiratory muscle training on pulmonary function and stroke-related disabilities in stroke rehabilitation. DESIGN: Patients with stroke (n = 40) in a rehabilitation unit were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n1 = 20) or the control group (n2 = 20). Both groups participated in a conventional stroke rehabilitation program. During the study period, the intervention group received bedside respiratory muscle training twice a day for 3 wks. The respiratory muscle training consisted of (1) a breath stacking exercise, (2) inspiratory muscle training, and (3) expiratory muscle training. The primary outcomes were measures of pulmonary function: forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 sec, and peak flow. Secondary outcomes were stroke-related disabilities assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, Modified Barthel Index, Berg Balance Scale, Fugl-Meyer Assessment, the Korean Mini-Mental State Examination, and pneumonia incidence. RESULTS: Pulmonary function was significantly improved in the intervention group after 3 wks of respiratory muscle training (p < 0.05). This improvement in pulmonary function was independent of the improvement in stroke-related disabilities. CONCLUSION: Three weeks of respiratory muscle training had significant effects on pulmonary function in stroke survivors.

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