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Respiratory muscle training is insufficient as a standalone intervention for treating objective sleep-disordered breathing outcomes in heterogeneous spinal cord injury cohorts

A scoping review of six studies found that while case reports showed clinically significant reductions in global sleep-disordered breathing indices, larger experimental trials found no significant between-group differences in objective SDB severity or nocturnal oxygenation. A randomized pilot trial suggested combined RMT and oropharyngeal exercises could reduce upper airway collapsibility, and a prospective cohort study found modest improvements in nocturnal gas exchange among those who gained maximal inspiratory pressure.

Last updated: Jul 27, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score32/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Respiratory muscle training and sleep-disordered breathing among individuals with spinal cord injury: A scoping review.

observational

Williamson SD, Andersen MM, Ravn SL · The journal of spinal cord medicine (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: N/A
Intervention: Respiratory muscle training (standalone inspiratory training, combined inspiratory and expiratory training, and triple-combined protocols with oropharyngeal exercises)
Outcome: Objectively measured sleep-disordered breathing outcomes (global SDB indices, nocturnal oxygenation, upper airway collapsibility, nocturnal gas exchange)
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Individuals with spinal cord injury

Result:

PubMed: 42489510DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2026.2696692

Mechanism Graph

Respiratory muscle training is applied to individuals with spinal cord injury
↓
Training may improve maximal inspiratory pressure and upper airway stability
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Improved respiratory muscle function may reduce sleep-disordered breathing events
↓
Result: Insufficient standalone effect on objective SDB outcomes in heterogeneous cohorts

Limitations

  • ⚠Sparse and methodologically heterogeneous evidence base
  • ⚠Only six studies met inclusion criteria, limiting generalizability

Frequently Asked Questions

Can respiratory muscle training alone treat sleep apnea in spinal cord injury patients?▼

No, the scoping review found that RMT is insufficient as a standalone intervention for treating objective sleep-disordered breathing outcomes in heterogeneous SCI cohorts.

What type of respiratory muscle training was studied?▼

Interventions included standalone inspiratory training, combined inspiratory and expiratory training, and triple-combined protocols involving additional oropharyngeal exercises.

Did any study show positive effects of RMT on sleep-disordered breathing?▼

A randomized pilot trial suggested that combined RMT and oropharyngeal exercises could significantly reduce upper airway collapsibility, and a prospective cohort study found modest improvements in nocturnal gas exchange in those who improved inspiratory pressure.

What are the main limitations of the evidence?▼

The evidence is sparse and methodologically heterogeneous, with only six studies included, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions.

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References

  1. 1.Williamson SD, Andersen MM, Ravn SL. "Respiratory muscle training and sleep-disordered breathing among individuals with spinal cord injury: A scoping review.." The journal of spinal cord medicine, 2026. PMID: 42489510 DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2026.2696692
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.