Respiratory Muscle Training Research Summaries:
Arnold, R. J., & Bausek, N. (2020). Effect of respiratory muscle training on dysphagia in stroke patients – A retrospective pilot study. Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology, 5(6), 1050–1055.
https://doi.org/10.1002/lio2.483
Twenty patients post-stroke participated in a combined (inspiratory-expiratory) respiratory muscle training (cRMT) group or no training (control group) prior to dysphagia therapy. The effect of cRMT to improve swallowing function was investigated. Over the course of 28 days, the cRMT group performed inspiratory and expiratory muscle training using a resistive device with protocol of three 5-minute sessions 7 days/week: (1 day/week - skilled intervention with an SLP 1x/day and 6 days/week - homework sessions 3x/day).
Outcomes were assessed for respiratory function and swallowing. Significant improvements occurred after 4 weeks of cRMT compared to the control group in the following areas: Peak Expiratory Flow by 168%, FEES with Penetration/Aspiration Scale by 69%, Functional Oral Intake Scale by 93%, and Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability by 37%.
| This study confirms effectiveness of cRMT for improving airway protection and swallow function in people with dysphagia. |
Arnold, R. J., Gaskill, C. S., & Bausek, N. (2021). Effect of Combined Respiratory Muscle Training (cRMT) on Dysphonia following Single CVA: A Retrospective Pilot Study. Journal of Voice, S0892-1997(21)00109-0. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvoice.2021.03.014
Twenty patients post-stroke were investigated to determine the effect of combined (inspiratory-expiratory) respiratory muscle training (cRMT) group compared to no training (control group) in improving voice function. The cRMT group was treated for three 5-minute sessions daily for 28 days prior to voice therapy.
Outcomes were assessed with perceptual and acoustic measurements, as well as a pulmonary function test. The cRMT group demonstrated significant improvements over the control group. After 4 weeks of cRMT, improvements were seen in peak expiratory flow by 127%; patient self-perception of voice by 84%; maximum phonation time by 212%; and all categories of the Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V): overall severity by 63%, roughness by 54%, breathiness by 61%, strain by 63%, pitch range by 48%, and loudness by 57%.
| Four weeks of cRMT improved respiratory function, which in turn was associated with improved phonation reducing the severity of dysphonia following a single CVA. |
OmniFlow™ Breathing Therapy Biofeedback System used in conjunction with evidence-based exercise can improve airway protection, swallow function, respiratory function, and phonation.
