Effects of Stroke on Electromyographic Activity, Respiratory Muscle Strength, and Pulmonary Function

Stroke is a condition characterized by the sudden onset of clinical signs and symptoms, with persistent neurological deficits lasting more than twenty-four hours. This disease causes changes in cerebral blood circulation, impairing brain function either focally or globally. This observational study aimed to evaluate the respiratory function of subjects who suffered an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke more than five years ago and compare them to a without neurological disorder group. Twenty-four subjects aged between 30 and 80 years participated, divided into two groups: stroke (n=12) and without neurological disorder (n=12). All analyses were conducted with a 5% significance level (Student’s t-test). The results indicated that the stroke group showed significant changes compared to without neurological disorder group, including increased activity of respiratory and accessory muscles, as well as reduced respiratory muscle strength. However, spirometric evaluation did not reveal significant differences between the groups. The authors suggest that subjects with stroke exhibit neuromuscular deficits, with changes in the electromyographic activity of respiratory and accessory muscles, reduced respiratory muscle strength, and impaired lung volumes and capacities.