The Effect of Respiratory Muscle Training on Swallowing Function in Patients With Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: The improvement of swallowing function after stroke is a significant challenge faced by patients and health care professionals. However, the current evidence synthesis of the effects of respiratory muscle training (RMT) on swallowing function is limited. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of RMT on swallowing recovery in patients undergoing stroke. Methods: The CKNI, WanFang Data, PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies evaluating RMT interventions’ effect on swallowing outcomes. Risks of bias were evaluated using the approach recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration tool and a summary of findings table was generated using the GRADE approach. Outcomes were synthesized using a random-effects meta-analysis model. Results: RMT interventions reduced the risk of aspiration (SMD = 1.19; 95% CI, 0.53-1.84), the recovery process of water swallowing function (RR = 1.22; 95% CI, 1.05-1.42), and the activity of the swallowing muscles (SMD = 2.91; 95% CI, 2.22-3.61). However, there was no significant effect of RMT on the functional level of oral intake (SMD = 0.70; 95% CI, −0.03 to 1.42). Conclusions: RMT can be regarded as an innovative, auxiliary means in the near future to better manage and improve swallowing function, given its improving effect on work outcomes in this review.