EMST - Expiratory muscle strength training may improve swallowing, breathing, sp

[Guest guest]

Expiratory muscle strength training may improve swallowing,

breathing, speech deficits in elderly

19 May 2005 Medical News Today

This study discusses the affect of expiratory muscle strength

training (EMST) on lung and chest wall decline in the elderly.

EMST, a technique of respiratory muscle strengthening, may improve

breathing, coughing, swallowing, and speech.

As people age, skeletal muscle strength is reduced, which is caused

in part by muscle mass loss and neuromuscular changes.

Strength training of limb muscles has been shown effective for

increasing muscle hypertrophy, suggesting that strength training of

respiratory muscles may induce the same effect as strength training

of limb muscles. Investigators recommend that the elderly maintain

their skeletal muscle functions to prevent age-related regression.

VA Research Communications Service

http://www.vard.org