Effects of inspiratory muscle training on pulmonary function, trunk stability, and balance in stroke patients: a stratified randomized controlled trial

This study examined the impact of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on respiratory function, trunk control, and balance in individual's poststroke. Thirty stroke patients were randomly divided into an IMT group (n=15) and a conventional neurodevelopmental treatment (CNT) group (n=15). Both groups underwent 30-min sessions, 5 times per week, over 6 weeks. Respiratory function was measured using the POWER-breathe K5 and a spirometer. Balance was evaluated using the trunk impairment scale (TIS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. The IMT group showed significant improvements in maximal inspiratory pressure, maximal inspiratory flow rate, maximal inspiratory capacity, peak expiratory flow, and forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (<i>P</i><0.05). The CNT group showed no significant changes in respiratory outcomes. Both groups improved in TIS, BBS, and TUG scores, with no significant differences between them. IMT led to notable gains in respiratory function and showed positive trends in trunk control and balance. These results indicate that IMT may be a beneficial addition to stroke rehabilitation focused on respiratory and postural improvement.