Inspiratory Muscle Training in Children With Cerebral Palsy: Effects on Respiratory and Motor Functions

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by permanent motor dysfunctions that develop in the prenatal, perinatal or postnatal period as a result of nonprogressive central nervous system involvement. CP involves not only the musculoskeletal system but also many different systems such as respiratory, digestive, sensory and cognitive systems, leading to a complex involvement. The complex involvement associated with the nature of CP necessitates a holistic and multidisciplinary approach in terms of treatment. In addition to common motor dysfunctions in the clinical picture, common comorbidities include epilepsy, swallowing disorders (dysphagia), gastrointestinal problems (e.g. constipation and reflux), nutritional deficiencies, behavioural problems, sensory disorders and respiratory system complications.

In individuals with CP, musculoskeletal system involvement results in significant comorbidities in the respiratory system. Especially weakness of respiratory muscles, inadequate airway clearance, increased risk of aspiration and recurrent respiratory tract infections are among the important complications reported in individuals with CP. This situation is more prominent especially for patients at levels IV and V according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and significantly negatively affects the quality of life of both the individual with CP and their caregivers.

Another important dysfunction in patients with CP is dysphagia, which develops mostly due to impaired motor control and coordination in the oral and pharyngeal phases. Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OPD) is quite common in children with CP and may lead to serious complications such as aspiration, malnutrition, growth retardation, gastroesophageal reflux disease and pneumonia. This effect, which can be seen in all phases of swallowing disorders, causes a decrease in muscle mass and immune functions by reducing energy intake, which increases susceptibility to infection.

In the field of pulmonary rehabilitation, individualised exercise programmes targeting respiratory muscles have recently attracted considerable attention, and studies using inspiratory muscle training (IMT) and feedback devices have provided significant improvements in maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressures. Studies have reported significant increases in daily living activities and quality of life of individuals after respiratory muscle training.

In line with the literature, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of respiratory muscle training on respiratory muscle strength, respiratory and swallowing functions of individuals diagnosed with CP. In addition to the parameters mentioned in the study, the effectiveness of respiratory muscle training on trunk control and upper extremity functions in individuals with CP will also be questioned.

Inclusion criteria

• Participants aged 5-18 years
• Diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) by a paediatric neurologist
• Classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I-II
• Possessing communication skills sufficient to understand verbal or written language and follow assessment and intervention instructions

Exclusion criteria

• History of lung infection within the previous month
• Haemodynamic instability (heart rate >150 beats/min, systolic blood pressure >140 mmHg, or diastolic blood pressure >90 mmHg)
• Orthopaedic surgery or botulinum toxin injection within the previous six months
• Severe chest infection or an active respiratory condition that could limit participation in the study
• Mental or auditory dysfunction that could interfere with participation in the assessment or intervention procedures