Global training on maximal inspiratory pressure and functional ability of an individual with chronic stroke

Abstract

Introduction: Muscle weakness after stroke is not constrained to appendicular structures and also affects postural and respiratory muscles. Albeit specific respiratory training can modify respiratory parameters, a global activity intervention could reduce time and onus dispended with treatment. Objective: To analyze the effects of global training on maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax), motor disability (MD), functional capacity (FC), gait speed (GS) of a chronic stroke survivor. Method: It was conducted a case study composed by muscle strengthening and aerobic exercises. PImax was measured pre-intervention, after three weeks, and post-intervention and the other outcomes were measured pre and post-intervention. The differences on FC, GS and PImax were described with their respective absolute and percentage values. MD was analyzed according to its minimal clinically important difference. Results/Conclusion: The participant presented considerable improvement on described outcomes, increasing 250% his PImax and reaching minimal clinically important difference on MD measure, justifying new studies to test the efficacy of this intervention.