AzTrials
AzTrials

Subacute StrokeNCT06838871

Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training and Abdominal Drawing-In Maneuver on Balance, Gait and Pulmonary Function in Stroke Patients

A study testing Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) with Abdominal Drawing-In Maneuver (ADIM) training in people with Subacute Stroke and Balance Deficits, run by Sahmyook University at 1 site in South Korea.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
Search all trials

Trial summary

This study examines how Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) combined with the Abdominal Drawing-In Maneuver (ADIM) affects balance, gait, and breathing in stroke patients. It aims to determine whether this combined intervention improves mobility and respiratory function more effectively than standard rehabilitation. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Any age
Conditions the study is for
Subacute Stroke, Balance Deficits
What is being tested?
Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) with Abdominal Drawing-In Maneuver (ADIM) training
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
20 participants
Where
1 siteSouth Korea
Study dates
24 Mar 2025to 21 Oct 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages Any age
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Child, Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Participants diagnosed with subacute stroke (1-6 months post-onset)
  • Mini-Mental State Examination-Korean (MMSE-K) score of 24 or higher
  • Ability to walk at least 6 meters, with or without an assistive device

Who cannot join

  • Conditions prohibiting the Valsalva maneuver (e.g., glaucoma, aneurysm, pulmonary hypertension)
  • Acute respiratory infections
  • Severe language or cognitive impairments preventing communication
  • Previous inspiratory muscle training within the last 6 months
  • Unstable medical conditions (e.g., uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes)
  • Neurological disorders affecting function and balance (e.g., Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis)
  • Severe musculoskeletal impairments limiting functional mobility.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

South Korea1 site
  • Zenith Hospital

    Seoul, Seoul, 04993

Other trials in South Korea

About this study

Official title: Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training Combined With Abdominal Drawing-In Maneuver on Balance, Gait, and Pulmonary Function in Subacute Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study examines how Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) combined with the Abdominal Drawing-In Maneuver (ADIM) affects balance, gait, and breathing in stroke patients. It aims to determine whether this combined intervention improves mobility and respiratory function more effectively than standard rehabilitation.

Read the detailed description

This study investigates the effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) and Abdominal Drawing-In Maneuver (ADIM) on stroke rehabilitation. IMT involves resistance-based breathing exercises to strengthen the inspiratory muscles and improve pulmonary function, while ADIM focuses on activating the deep abdominal muscles, particularly the transversus abdominis, to enhance trunk stability and postural control. Participants in the intervention group perform IMT using a threshold resistance device, starting at 30% of MIP and progressively increasing to 60% MIP over four weeks. ADIM exercises are conducted with verbal and manual guidance to ensure proper engagement of core muscles. Sessions are held five times per week for four weeks, with each session lasting 40 minutes (20 minutes for each intervention). The control group receives conventional rehabilitation without resistance-based inspiratory training.

The study utilizes TIS, BBS and TUG to assess balance, FGA to evaluate gait performance, and MIP and MEP to measure respiratory function. Assessments are conducted before and after the intervention to evaluate changes resulting from the treatment.

Eligible participants are individuals with subacute stroke (onset within 1-6 months), an MMSE-K score of 24 or higher, and the ability to walk at least 6 meters with or without an assistive device. Exclusion criteria include conditions prohibiting the Valsalva maneuver (e.g., glaucoma, aneurysm, pulmonary hypertension), acute respiratory infections, severe cognitive or language impairments, prior inspiratory muscle training within the past six months, unstable medical conditions, and neurological or musculoskeletal disorders affecting gait and balance.

This study aims to determine whether the combined application of IMT and ADIM enhances functional recovery, improves postural control, and promotes better respiratory health in stroke patients. The findings may contribute to the development of more effective rehabilitation strategies for improving quality of life in individuals recovering from stroke.

Being tested
Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) with Abdominal Drawing-In Maneuver (ADIM) training, Sham Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) with Abdominal Drawing-In Maneuver (ADIM) training
Keywords
Inspiratory muscle training, balance, stroke, abdominal muscles, gait
Medical subject headings
Stroke

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) with Abdominal Drawing-In Maneuver (ADIM) trainingBehavioural

    ADIM aims to enhance trunk stability by selectively activating the transversus abdominis. Participants begin in a supine position and practice drawing in their abdomen toward the spine while maintaining a stable trunk and pelvis. A therapist provides verbal instructions and manual guidance to ensure proper muscle activation.

    IMT is performed using the Threshold RMT device (IMT, GH INNOTEK, Busan, South Korea). Participants wear a nose clip and start with 30% of Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (MIP), gradually increasing by 10% per week to reach 60% MIP by the final week. Each session consists of five sets of 10-15 repetitions, with a one-minute rest between sets.

  • Sham Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) with Abdominal Drawing-In Maneuver (ADIM) trainingBehavioural

    Sham IMT with ADIM training performs the same ADIM protocol as the IMT with ADIM training but undergoes IMT with minimal resistance (0 cmH₂O) to prevent actual muscle strengthening. This design ensures that the effects observed can be attributed to IMT rather than ADIM.

Study groups in NCT06838871
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) with Abdominal Drawing-In Maneuver (ADIM) GroupExperimentalparticipants recieve in IMT using a threshold resistance device, starting at 30% of maximal inspiratory pressure and progressively increasing to 60% over four weeks. The ADIM is performed with verbal and manual guidance to ensure correct deep abdominal muscle engagement. Sessions are conducted five times per week for four weeks, with each session lasting 40 minutes (20 minutes for each intervention).
Receives: Behavioral: Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) with Abdominal Drawing-In Maneuver (ADIM) training
Sham Inspiratory Muscle Training(IMT) with Abdominal Drawing-In Maneuver(ADIM) GroupSham comparatorparticipants recieve simulated IMT with minimal resistance while performing the same ADIM as the experimental group. This design ensures that any effects observed can be attributed to inspiratory muscle training rather than ADIM. Sessions are conducted five times per week for four weeks, with each session lasting 40 minutes (20 minutes for each intervention).
Receives: Behavioral: Sham Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) with Abdominal Drawing-In Maneuver (ADIM) training

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Change in Trunk Control as Measured by the Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS)

    The TIS assesses trunk stability, coordination, and dynamic sitting balance in participants. It consists of three subscales: static sitting balance (score range: 0-7), dynamic sitting balance (score range: 0-10), and trunk coordination (score range: 0-6). The total score ranges from 0 to 23, with higher scores indicating better trunk control. The test is conducted with the participant seated on a firm, stable surface without back or arm support.

    Measured: change from Baseline to 4 weeks post intervention

  2. Change in Functional Mobility as Measured by the Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test

    TUG Test assesses functional mobility and fall risk. Participants start seated, stand up at a signal, walk 3 meters, turn around, walk back, and sit down. The test is timed in seconds, with lower times indicating better mobility. A time exceeding 14 seconds suggests an increased fall risk.

    Measured: change from Baseline to 4 weeks post intervention

  3. Change in Balance Ability as Measured by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS)

    BBS evaluates balance and fall risk through 14 items, covering sitting, standing, and positional changes. Each item is scored from 0 (unable) to 4 (normal performance), with a total possible score of 0 to 56. Scores below 44 indicate a high fall risk.

    Measured: change from Baseline to 4 weeks post intervention

Secondary outcomes (2)
  1. Change in Gait Performance as Measured by the Functional Gait Assessment (FGA)

    FGA evaluates dynamic walking ability. It consists of 10 tasks, including walking with head turns, speed changes, and obstacle navigation. Each item is scored from 0 (severe impairment) to 3 (normal performance), with a total possible score of 0 to 30. A lower score indicates greater functional impairment.

    Measured: change from Baseline to 4 weeks post intervention

  2. Change in Respiratory Muscle Strength as Measured by Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (MIP) and Maximal Expiratory Pressure (MEP)

    MIP and MEP measure respiratory muscle strength using a manometer (Pony Fx, Cosmed, Italy). MIP reflects diaphragm and inspiratory muscle strength, while MEP measures expiratory muscle power. Participants are seated, wear a nose clip, and perform three attempts with the highest value recorded.

    Measured: change from Baseline to 4 weeks post intervention

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted21 Feb 2025
  2. Study start24 Mar 2025
  3. Primary completion25 Apr 2025
  4. Study completion21 Oct 2025

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Prospective, parallel-group randomized study
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
20 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06838871
Sponsor's protocol ID
SYU 2025-01-008
Status last verified
Apr 2025
First submitted
16 Feb 2025
Last updated
26 Dec 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) with Abdominal Drawing-In Maneuver (ADIM) training in people with Subacute Stroke and Balance Deficits, run by Sahmyook University at 1 site in South Korea.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 26 Dec 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in South Korea. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Change in Trunk Control as Measured by the Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) (time frame: change from Baseline to 4 weeks post intervention). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 26 Dec 2025.

Free account

Log in to keep searching

You’ve used your 3 free searches. AzTrials is free: log in or create a free account to keep searching clinical trials and save the ones you want to follow.

Create a free accountLog in