Respiratory Muscle Strength Training: Does it Work? (2025)

Respiratory muscle strength training (RMST) is a treatment technique designed to enhance the strength and endurance of the respiratory muscles. Research studies have shown that RMST can reduce shortness of breath, improve cough and swallowing function and increase exercise tolerance in patients with chronic respiratory conditions.

Subsequent studies have provided preliminary evidence that RMST can improve respiratory, cough and swallowing function in patients diagnosed with several acute and progressive neurological conditions.

This presentation provides an overview of an RMST clinical guideline created to provide clinicians with a summary of the clinical literature, exercise principles underlying RMST, criteria to determine a patient’s suitability for this intervention and a description of assessment, outcome measurement and treatment protocols. Case examples highlight the use of RMST with acute and progressive medical conditions.