Effects of breathing exercises on balance and mobility in stroke patients

Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training Combined With Abdominal Drawing-In Maneuver on Balance, Gait, and Pulmonary Function in Subacute Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Sahmyook University · NCT06838871

This study is testing whether breathing exercises can help improve balance and mobility in people who have had a stroke.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorSahmyook University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Seoul)
Trial IDNCT06838871 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) combined with the Abdominal Drawing-In Maneuver (ADIM) on improving balance, gait, and pulmonary function in patients who have experienced a subacute stroke. Participants will engage in resistance-based breathing exercises to strengthen their inspiratory muscles and core stability exercises to enhance trunk control. The intervention group will undergo these exercises five times a week for four weeks, while a control group will receive standard rehabilitation. Assessments will be conducted before and after the intervention to measure changes in mobility and respiratory function.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with subacute stroke within 1-6 months of onset who can walk at least 6 meters.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions that prohibit the Valsalva maneuver or those with severe cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance mobility and respiratory function in stroke patients, leading to improved rehabilitation outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific combination of IMT and ADIM is novel, similar studies have shown positive outcomes with inspiratory muscle training in stroke rehabilitation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Participants diagnosed with subacute stroke (1-6 months post-onset)
* Mini-Mental State Examination-Korean (MMSE-K) score of 24 or higher
* Ability to walk at least 6 meters, with or without an assistive device

Exclusion Criteria:

* Conditions prohibiting the Valsalva maneuver (e.g., glaucoma, aneurysm, pulmonary hypertension)
* Acute respiratory infections
* Severe language or cognitive impairments preventing communication
* Previous inspiratory muscle training within the last 6 months
* Unstable medical conditions (e.g., uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes)
* Neurological disorders affecting function and balance (e.g., Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis)
* Severe musculoskeletal impairments limiting functional mobility.

Where this trial is running

Seoul

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Subacute StrokeBalance DeficitsInspiratory muscle trainingbalancestrokeabdominal musclesgait
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.