title: Effects of inspiratory muscle training on balance ability and abdominal muscle thickness in chronic stroke patients.
abstract: [Purpose] This study evaluated the effects of inspiratory muscle training on pulmonary function, deep abdominal muscle thickness, and balance ability in stroke patients. [Subjects] Twenty-three stroke patients were randomly allocated to an experimental (n = 11) or control group (n = 12). [Methods] The experimental group received inspiratory muscle training-based abdominal muscle strengthening with conventional physical therapy; the control group received standard abdominal muscle strengthening with conventional physical therapy. Treatment was conducted 20 minutes per day, 3 times per week for 6 weeks. Pulmonary function testing was performed using an electronic spirometer. Deep abdominal muscle thickness was measured by ultrasonography. Balance was measured using the Berg balance scale. [Results] Forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, deep abdominal muscle thickness, and Berg balance scale scores were significantly improved in the experimental group than in the control group. [Conclusion] Abdominal muscle strengthening accompanied by inspiratory muscle training is recommended to improve pulmonary function in stroke patients, and may also be used as a practical adjunct to conventional physical therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Sahmyook University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Dongha
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Oh
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Sahmyook University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Gayeong
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Sahmyook University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Wanhee
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of English, Sahmyook University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Mary Myong Sook
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Shin
keywords: Abdominal muscle thickness; Pulmonary function; Stroke