Effects of Exercise Training and Inspiratory Muscle Training in Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review

Spinal cord injury (SCI) impairs neuronal control of respiratory muscles and in turn respiratory function. Respiratory complications remain one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among individuals with SCI. Two specific training modalities that have been clinically evaluated are exercise training and inspiratory muscle training (IMT).

• 1
  There is level 2 evidence supporting exercise training as an intervention to improve respiratory strength and endurance.
• 2
  There is level 4 evidence to support exercise training as an intervention that might improve resting and exercising respiratory function in people with SCI.
• 3
  There is level 4 evidence to support IMT as an intervention that might decrease dyspnea and improve respiratory function in people with SCI.