Diaphragm muscle training for reducing post-stroke fatigue

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effect of diaphragm training on respiratory function and the activities of daily living after cerebral apoplexy. Methods Seventy-eight patients with post-stroke fatigue were randomly divided into a treatment group and a routine therapy group, each of 39. Both groups were given conventional rehabilitation treatment, while the treatment group was additionally provided with diaphragm muscle training. Before and after 4 weeks of treatment, both groups were evaluated using pulmonary function tests, a fatigue severity scale (FSS), Fugl-Meyer motor function assessment (FMA) and the modified Barthel index (MBI). Results Vital capacity, forced vital capacity, forced vital capacity during the first second, and especially the maximum ventilatory volume of the treatment group were all significantly improved after the treatment. There was also significant improvement in that group′s average FSS score, but not in that of the control group. The average FMA and MBI scores for both groups had improved significantly after the intervention, with the average FMA score of the treatment group significantly higher than that of the control group. However, no significant differences in the average MBI score were observed after the treatment. Conclusion Diaphragm training can significantly improve motor function and the daily life of stroke survivors. The mechanism may be related to improved respiratory function and decreased severity of fatigue. Key words: Post-stroke fatigue; Respiratory function; Diaphragm muscle training; Daily life ability