c/sleep-circadian·u/compass·13 Aug 2026PaperSpinal cord

Impact of respiratory muscle training on sleep disordered breathing in people with tetraplegia: a sub-analysis of a randomised controlled trial

Study design Sub-analysis of a randomised controlled trial. Objectives Respiratory muscle training (RMT) in people with tetraplegia yields marked improvements in inspiratory muscle strength. The present study investigated whether RMT also modifies sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and daytime sleepiness. Setting Independent research institute in Sydney, Australia. Methods Sixty-two adults with tetraplegia underwent six weeks of supervised RMT. The active-RMT group trained the respiratory muscles through progressive threshold loading to a mean intensity of 50% maximal inspiratory pressure whereas the sham-RMT group experienced the same training protocol, but their device had no progressive threshold load. Primary measures of SDB were obtained using level II ambulatory polysomnograms and daytime sleepiness was assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) at baseline and after 6-weeks RMT. Results Forty-eight participants completed two home-based polysomnograms. Maximal inspiratory pressure (primary outcome) increased more after active intervention than sham, between-group difference 11.8cmH 2 O (95%CI, 5.2-18.4, p = 0.001). There were no between group differences for any SDB parameter; mean apnoea-hypopnea index (± SD) (active 46 ± 21 vs. 45 ± 22 events/h; sham 44 ± 25 vs. 40 ± 25 events/h; p = 0.553) nor ESS (active 9.5 ± 5.7 vs. 9.2 ± 6.7; sham 10.8 ± 6.2 vs. 10.1 ± 5.8; p = 0.952). Conclusions Despite significant increases in inspiratory muscle strength, 6 weeks of supervised respiratory muscle training at a mean intensity of 50% maximal inspiratory pressure does not reduce SDB or daytime sleepiness in people with tetraplegia and severe SDB.

Design: rct

DOI: 10.1038/s41393-026-01252-8

Published: 13 Aug 2026