What is Respiratory Muscle Training?
RMT is so much more than handing a device to a patient.
Clinicians need to understand:
- evidence behind RMT & devices
- how to apply principles of strength training to this therapy
- safety & precautions
- patients & populations that can benefit
- how to assess & treat
- choosing devices that are effective & backed by evidence
- troubleshooting techniques
- starting a program at your facility
- ... and more!
About respiratory muscle training (RMT)
What is respiratory muscle training?
Respiratory Muscle Training (RMT), also known as Respiratory Muscle Strength Training (RMST) is a specialized approach to strengthening the muscles involved in breathing. These muscles include the diaphragm, intercostals (the muscles between the ribs), abdominals, and accessory muscles that assist in respiration.
Just like training any other muscle group in the body, respiratory muscles can be exercised to improve their strength, endurance, and efficiency. RMT may incorporate inspiratory muscle (strength) training (IMT / IMST) and/or expiratory muscle (strength) training (EMT / EMST).
RMT can also be used to improve the strength and function of other muscles to improve things like oropharyngeal dysphagia (swallowing difficulty), balance & core functions, breathing difficulties, exercise tolerance, vocal fold abduction, cough function, and more.
Why is respiratory muscle training important?
Strong and efficient respiratory muscles play a vital role in overall health. RMT can help:
- Improve breathing efficiency & comfort: Especially for people with conditions that make breathing more difficult, like COPD, asthma, or neuromuscular diseases.
- Slow down or prevent decline: Improving the strength and function of the respiratory muscles can prevent age- or disease-related declines in breathing, swallowing, balance, and more.
- Improve balance & gait: RMT can be used to target muscles that are important for preventing falls and maintaining a healthy posture.
- Support speech, voice, and swallowing: Respiratory muscles are also critical for functions like speaking and swallowing.
- Promote recovery: RMT is often part of rehabilitation programs after surgery or illness affecting the lungs or airways.
- Facilitate liberation from the ventilator: By strengthening the respiratory muscles, RMT can help to reduce ventilator dependence.
- Enhance physical performance: Athletes and individuals engaged in high-intensity exercise can benefit from optimized breathing.
How does respiratory muscle training work?
RMT involves using specific devices to provide resistance while breathing in (inspiratory training) or breathing out (expiratory training), and sometimes both.
By breathing against load, just like weight-lifting, the respiratory muscles become stronger and more capable of handling everyday tasks and physical activities.
While there are several types of respiratory muscle training, pressure-threshold training is the most supported by literature and is gaining popularity amongst clinicians.
Who can benefit from respiratory muscle training?
RMT is beneficial for a wide range of individuals across the lifespan, including:
- People with medical conditions such as COPD, asthma, or neuromuscular disorders.
- Individuals with swallowing disorders, specifically pharyngeal dysphagia with or without aspiration.
- Post-surgical patients who need to rebuild their breathing capacity.
- People with prolonged ventilator use and a goal of partial or complete liberation from mechanical ventilation.
- Athletes looking to optimize their performance and endurance.
- Older adults who want to maintain or improve their respiratory health.
Which clinicians can provide respiratory muscle training?
Healthcare clinicians across disciplines and throughout the continuum of healthcare can provide RMT. Based on her clinical experiences and expertise, founder of BREATHEHAB Brooke Richardson strongly encourages clinicians to be formally trained.
- OT / OTA
- PT / PTA
- RT / RTA
- SLP / SLPA
- Other clinicians with an interest in rehabilitation & prehabilitation.
Why should clinicians learn about RMT? Do I need to be certified in it?
If you're a healthcare professional, understanding and implementing RMT can significantly benefit your patients. Incorporating these techniques into your practice can improve patient outcomes, enhance their quality of life, and expand the range of services you offer. A certification is not required.
Looking to learn enhance your RMT knowledge & skills?
BREATHEHAB courses are designed to equip healthcare providers with the tools and knowledge they need to implement RMT effectively. Tap the button below to explore our training programs and discover how you can help your patients breathe better.
