Eureka! Institutional Repository

The aim of this thesis, was to examine if the use of respiratory muscle training devices, could affect in a positive way the pulmonary function of stroke survivors. The research strategy, for the identification of the relevant literature, included information from articles in English, from Greek and foreign bibliography, as well as from internet sources. The results showed great effectiveness of the use of respiratory muscle training devices, in comparison with the exercises of breathing retraining, conventional physical therapy or sham training programs. According to several studies and their results, significant improvement was observed in Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), in Forced Expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), as well as in Maximum Inspiratory Pressure (IMT). Furthermore, improvement was noted in the cough flow of stroke patients and as a result the risk of respiratory and other complications after stroke was declined. Thus, the use of respiratory muscle training devices, in order to strengthen and exercise the respiratory muscles of stroke patients, is estimated to be beneficial. Nevertheless, more research is needed in order to receive more accurate results