Recovery process of respiratory muscle strength in patients following stroke: A Pilot Study

Respiratory muscle strength in stroke: a case-control study

AIM

The aim of the study was to determine the respiratory muscle strength of stroke patients and compare them with healthy individuals.

METHOD

The study was conducted with 171 patients who had a stroke between 2017 and 2021 and 32 healthy controls. Respiratory muscle strength and inspiratory and expiratory mouth pressure (MIP and MEP) were measured using the portable MicroRPM device (Micro Medical, Basingstoke, UK).

RESULTS

The stroke group exhibited significantly lower values in both MIP for men (p<0.001) and women (p=0.013) and maximal expiratory pressure for men (p<0.001) and women (p=0.042), compared with the healthy control group. Notably, there was a significant difference in the MIPmen (p=0.026) and MEPmen (p=0.026) values when comparing the reference values, which were calculated based on age and sex, with those of the healthy group. The baseline values calculated according to age for stroke patients were as follows: MIPmen 31.68%, MIPwomen 63.58%, MEPmen 22.54%, and MEPwomen 42.30%.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the significant respiratory muscle weakness experienced by stroke patients, with gender-specific differences. It highlights the importance of incorporating respiratory assessments and interventions into stroke rehabilitation protocols to improve the overall health and well-being of stroke patients.

Respiratory Parameters as Predictors of Balance and Gait Ability in Patients with Stroke at Discharge

Pulmonary complications are frequent in stroke, contributing to both mortality and morbidity rates. Respiratory parameters in such patients encompass both pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength. Identifying respiratory function variables that influence the balance and gait ability of patients with stroke is crucial for enhancing their recovery in these aspects. However, no study has assessed predictions for a comprehensive array of balance and gait abilities in such patients. We aimed to examine whether initial respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary function can predict balance and gait ability at discharge from a rehabilitation program. Thirty-one patients with stroke were included in this prospective observational study. Multiple regression models with a forward selection procedure were employed to identify respiratory parameters (including peak expiratory flow and maximal expiratory pressure) that contributed to the results of balance assessments and gait evaluations at the time of discharge. The peak expiratory flow (PEF) served as a predictor explaining 42.0% of the variance. Similarly, the maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) was a predictor variable explaining 32.0% of the variance. PEF and MEP assessments at the initial stage as predictive factors for both balance and gait ability are important in stroke management.

The relationship of respiratory functions and respiratory muscle strength with trunk control, functional capacity, and functional independence in post‐stroke hemiplegic patients

BACKGROUND

Cardiorespiratory system involvement and early fatigue observed in stroke patients complicate the rehabilitation process and affect their ability to perform daily activities and functional independence.

AIM

It was aimed to determine the relationship between respiratory functions and respiratory muscle strength with trunk control, functional capacity, and functional independence in hemiplegic patients after stroke.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-five volunteers who were diagnosed with post-stroke hemiplegia were included in the study. Sociodemographic and physical characteristics were recorded. Pulmonary function test (PFT), respiratory muscle strength, Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), Timed-Up and Go Test (TUG), and Barthel Index (BI) were applied.

RESULTS

There was a moderate negative correlation between TUG scores and PFT results (r = 0.413-0.502; p = 0.011-0.04), except for PEF (%) and FEV1/FVC. Also, there were statistically significant correlation between TIS scores and FEV1(%) (r = 0.505; p = 0.012), FVC(%) (r = 0.449; p = 0.024). On the other hand, there was no statistically significant relationship between BI results and any parameter of the PFT (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant correlation between respiratory muscle strength and TUG, TIS, BI (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

It has been shown that respiratory functions are associated with functional capacity and trunk control. However, it was found that there was no relationship between respiratory muscle strength and functional capacity, trunk control, and functional independence. It is thought that considering these parameters in the assessment of patients will contribute to the creation of individual and effective rehabilitation programs. The respiratory system should be systematically assessed in stroke rehabilitation and considered as part of a holistic approach.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT05290649 (retrospectively registered) (clinicaltrials.gov).

Closing the Gap between Inpatient and Outpatient Settings: Integrating Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Technological Advances in the Comprehensive Management of Frail Patients

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a well-established intervention supported by strong evidence that is used to treat patients affected by chronic respiratory diseases. However, several barriers still affect its spreading in rehabilitation clinical practices. Although chronic respiratory diseases are common age-related disorders, there is still a gap of knowledge regarding the implementation of sustainable strategies integrating PR in the rehabilitation management of frail patients at high risk of respiratory complications. Therefore, in the present study, we characterized the effects of PR in frail patients, highlighting the evidence supporting its role in improving the complex rehabilitative management of these patients. Moreover, we propose a novel organizational model promoting PR programs for frail patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Our model emphasizes the role of interdisciplinary care, specifically tailored to patients and environmental characteristics. In this scenario, cutting-edge technology and telemedicine solutions might be implemented as safe and sustainable strategies filling the gap between inpatient and outpatient settings. Future research should focus on large-scale sustainable interventions to improve the quality of life and global health of frail patients. Moreover, evidence-based therapeutic paths should be promoted and taught in training courses promoting multiprofessional PR knowledge to increase awareness and better address its delivery in frail patients.