OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of respiratory muscle training in a population of stroke patients. DATA SOURCES: The following databases were searched for clinical trials through December 2019: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized controlled trials (N = 9) published in English met the inclusion criteria. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were extracted and assessed for accuracy by 2 reviewers. Any disagreements were resolved after discussions with an independent third reviewer. The quality of the included randomized controlled trials was assessed using the Cochrane bias tool. DATA SYNTHESIS: The meta-analysis showed increased maximal inspiratory pressure (standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.88; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.62 to 1.15; p < 0.001; 12-wk follow-up period SMD 0.94; 95% CI 0.42 to 1.45; p < 0.001), maximal expiratory pressure (SMD 0.83; 95% CI 0.15 to 1.52; p = 0.017; 12-wk follow-up period SMD 0.99; 95% CI 0.47 to 1.51; p < 0.001), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (SMD 1.41; 95% CI 0.57 to 2.24; p = 0.001), forced vital capacity (SMD 1.36; 95% CI 0.55 to 2.16; p < 0.001), peak expiratory flow (SMD 0.74; 95% CI 0.16 to 1.32; p = 0.013), 6-minute walk test (SMD 0.67; 95% CI 0.11 to 1.23; p = 0.020), and decreased respiratory complications (odds ratio 0.55; 95% CI 0.30 to 1.00; p = 0.050) compared with no respiratory intervention or a sham intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Respiratory muscle training improved poststroke muscle strength and the benefits were carried over for up to 12 weeks, including improved lung function, walking capacity, and a reduced risk of respiratory impediments.

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