10/06/2026
A recent randomized trial (Liu et al., 2026) in 88 adults after stroke compared inspiratory muscle training (IMT) performed on a stable versus unstable seated surface, along with sham training.
After 4 weeks, both IMT groups demonstrated improvements in diaphragmatic thickness, respiratory function, trunk control, and functional mobility. The unstable-surface IMT group showed greater improvements and additional gains in 6-minute walk distance, quality of life, and measures of dynamic sitting balance.
The findings are particularly interesting because adding a postural challenge to respiratory muscle training may influence more than respiratory strength alone, potentially engaging the interaction between breathing, trunk control, balance, and functional movement.
For clinicians working with people after stroke, this study adds another piece to the growing conversation around how respiratory muscle training can be incorporated into broader rehabilitation.
Don’t miss out on our free November webinar, “From Breathing to Mobility: What if training the inspiratory muscles could influence the way we move?”. Register at emst150.com/events
Liu, F., Jones, A. Y., Tsang, R. C., Yam, T. T., & Tsang, W. W. (2026). Inspiratory muscle training with balance challenge improves diaphragmatic thickness, respiratory function, balance, exercise capacity and quality of life in people after stroke: a randomised trial. Journal of physiotherapy, 72(1), 42–52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphys.2025.12.004
