Functional outcomes associated with expiratory muscle strength training: Narrative review

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Functional outcomes associated with expiratory
muscle strengthtraining Narrative review

• Helena Laciuga, MA John C. Rosenbek, PhD Paul
  W. Davenport, PhD Christine M. Sapienza, PhD

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• Aim
• Review available evidence for effects of
  expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) with
  use of pressure threshold device.
• Relevance
• Reduced expiratory muscle strength may decrease
  ability to generate adequate expiratory pressure
  for voice production or airway clearance during
  cough.

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Method

• Searched for articles published after 1994 in
  PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases.
• Used phrases expiratory muscle training and
  expiratory muscle strength training.
• Further reviewed articles uncovered after initial
  search to determine use of expiratory pressure
  threshold device.
• Selected 24 articles based on predetermined
  criteria.

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Results

• EMST has been successfully applied to increase
  maximum expiratory pressure, with potential to
  improve some aspects of speech, swallow,
  respiration, and physical performance requiring
  adequate expiratory pressure.
• EMST could be future therapeutic approach to
  voice impairments or dysphagia.

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Conclusion

• Further research should assess supportive
  function for EMST in combination with
  task-specific exercise programs targeting voice
  loudness, cough effectiveness, and swallow
  safety.