The Effect of Resistive Inspiratory Muscle Training on Optimizing Lung Function in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury

Globally, over 15 million people are living with spinal cord injury (SCI), according to the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2024. SCI disrupts the normal functioning of the spinal cord, leading to significant physical and neurological impairments. One of the major challenges in SCI management is respiratory complications, which contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality. Resistive inspiratory muscle training (RIMT) has emerged as a promising intervention to enhance respiratory muscle strength and function, potentially reducing respiratory complications in SCI.

The primary objective of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of RIMT in optimizing lung function in individuals with SCI. The study also aims to assess the safety of RIMT and its impact on the health-related quality of life of participants.

Researchers will compare RIMT to conventional respiratory physiotherapy to see if RIMT works to enhance lung function and improve overall respiratory outcomes in individuals with SCI.

The study population will consist of individuals with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) who have impaired respiratory function and are admitted for inpatient rehabilitation. The inclusion criteria include individuals aged 18 to 65 years with cervical cord injury and impaired respiratory function. Exclusion criteria include progressive diseases, head injury, psychiatric conditions, medical instability, ventilator dependency, and the presence of a tracheostomy.

The clinical trial will be conducted at the Spinal Cord Injury Unit of the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralyzed (CRP) in Savar, Dhaka. The CRP provides comprehensive rehabilitation services to patients from all over Bangladesh, ensuring that the study population reflects a broad demographic and economic spectrum.