NCT06640101

Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Stroke Rehabilitation Outcomes

Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Respiratory Function, Diaphragm Thickness, Balance Control, Exercise Capacity and Quality of Life in People After Stroke: a Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 84 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Hong Kong Metropolitan University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 40 Years – 80 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study is designed to explore the effects of a 4-week protocol of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) at 50% maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) on respiratory function, diaphragm thickness, balance control, exercise capacity, and quality of life in people after stroke. To ascertain the effect of IMT on the relationship between diaphragm muscle contraction and activation of other trunk muscles, this study also explores whether any effect of the 4-week IMT protocol on balance control is associated with changes in the anticipatory posture adjustments (APAs) time - the onset time of postural muscles during a required task (e.g., the rapid shoulder flexion test).

Conditions

• Stroke

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	sham IMT	with 10% maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) as the training intensity, IMT will be conducted on a stable surface
OTHER	IMT-stable group (sitting on a stable surface)	50% MIP as the training intensity, IMT will be conducted while sitting on a stable surface
OTHER	IMT-unstable group (sitting on an unstable surface)	50% MIP as the training intensity, IMT will be conducted while sitting on an unstable surface
OTHER	Conventional treatment	Participants in all groups will receive a standardised conventional rehabilitation protocol. It includes limb range of motion, muscle tone reduction, strengthening and endurance of limb muscles, transfer skills, task-directed movements, general gait training, and activities of daily living training.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-02-21
• Primary completion: 2025-10-15
• Completion: 2026-06-15
• First posted: 2024-10-15
• Last updated: 2025-02-24

Locations

1 site across 1 country: China