Respiratory muscle training outcomes on swallowing biomechanics and respiratory function measures in normal subjects

ABSTRACT Purpose: to verify the outcomes of respiratory muscle training (RMT) with flow-oriented incentive spirometer on respiratory function measurements and their relationship with the swallowing biomechanics variables. Methods: 29 subjects underwent training for seven consecutive days (three sets of ten repetitions for inspiration and expiration). The swallowing biomechanics was assessed by video fluoroscopy, using as temporal variable the pharyngeal transit time and as visuoperceptual variables the number of swallows, residues in pyriform sinuses and valleculae, and penetration/aspiration. Respiratory function measurements were assessed by maximal respiratory pressures and spirometry. Results: RMT influenced pharyngeal transit time (p=0.002) and maximal inspiratory pressure correlated with the number of swallows after RMT (ρ=0.62, p=0.01). There was a significant increase in the maximum respiratory pressures post RMT (p