OBJECTIVE: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the effects of respiratory muscle training on respiratory function, respiratory muscle strength and exercise tolerance in post-stroke patients. DATA SOURCES: We searched Medline, Cochrane Library, Embase, SciELO, PEDro and CINAHL (from the earliest date available to November 2015) for trials. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the effects of respiratory muscle training versus control in post-stroke patients. Two reviewers selected studies independently. DATA EXTRACTION: Extracted data from the published RCTs. Study quality was evaluated using the PEDro scale. Weighted mean differences (WMDs), standard mean differences (SMDs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. DATA SYNTHESIS: Eight studies met the study criteria. Respiratory muscle training improved maximal inspiratory pressure WMDs (7.5 95% CI 2.7 to 12.4); forced vital capacity SMDs (2.0 95% CI 0.6 to 3.4), forced expiratory volume at 1 s SMDs (1.2 95% CI 0.6 to 1.9), and exercise tolerance SMDs (0.7 95% CI 0.2 to 1.2). No serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Respiratory muscle training should be considered an effective method of improving respiratory function, inspiratory muscle strength, and exercise tolerance in post-stroke patients. Further research is needed to determine optimum dosages and duration of effect.

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