Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 40 to 80

Effects of breathing exercises on recovery after stroke

Official title: Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Respiratory Function, Diaphragm Thickness, Balance Control, Exercise Capacity and Quality of Life in People After Stroke: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Run by Hong Kong Metropolitan University · NCT06640101 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests whether a 4-week breathing exercise program can help stroke patients recover better by improving their breathing, balance, and overall quality of life.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages40 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
Enrollment84 (estimated)
SponsorHong Kong Metropolitan University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Shenzhen, None Selected)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 21, 2025
Main results expectedOctober 15, 2025
Study endsJune 15, 2026
Registry record updatedFebruary 24, 2025
Trial IDNCT06640101 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are individuals aged 40 to 80 who have experienced an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke within the past 1 to 12 months.

Probably not a fit

Patients with acute cardiovascular issues or significant respiratory illnesses may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of a 4-week inspiratory muscle training (IMT) program on various rehabilitation outcomes for stroke patients. Participants will engage in IMT at 50% of their maximum inspiratory pressure, with assessments focusing on respiratory function, diaphragm thickness, balance control, exercise capacity, and overall quality of life. The study also aims to understand how IMT influences the timing of muscle activation during postural tasks. Participants will be divided into groups receiving either sham IMT, stable surface IMT, unstable surface IMT, or conventional treatment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance recovery and improve quality of life for stroke survivors.

How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of inspiratory muscle training in stroke rehabilitation is less common, similar interventions have shown promise in improving respiratory and functional outcomes in other populations.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 40 years and \< 80 years;
* breathing spontaneously;
* clinically diagnosed with ischemic and/or haemorrhagic stroke;
* duration of stroke from onset falls within 1 month to 12 months after diagnosis;
* no thoracic or abdominal surgery within the last 6 months;
* able to understand and follow verbal instructions;
* no facial palsy, or mild facial palsy without limitation of labial occlusion;
* able to maintain a resting sitting posture without feet support for at least 30 seconds;
* no cognitive impairment (Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score ≥ 26);
* able to independently walk at least 10 meters with or without an assistive device.

Exclusion Criteria:

* acute myocardial infarction or acute heart failure;
* acute pain in any part of the body;
* with respiratory illness or positive clinical signs of impaired respiratory function (such as shortness of breath, hypoxemia, chronic cough and sputum retention);
* with chronic cardiovascular dysfunction;
* Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) score ≥ 20.
* patient with a nasal feeding tube, tracheal tube and/or any condition that prevents the measurement or the implementation of the study procedure.

Where it's running

  • Shenzhen Second People's Hospital
    Shenzhen, None Selected, China
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.