"More air-better performance-faster recovery": study protocol for randomised controlled trial of the effect of post-stroke inspiratory muscle training for adults.

Background: Stroke results in varying physical, cognitive, emotional and/or social disabilities in the short and long term alike. Motor impairments are important, persistent consequences of stroke and include, among others, decreased respiratory muscle function, decreased ability to expand the thorax and postural dysfunction. These deficits affect the patient's ability to perform daily activities, produce fatigue and reduce endurance and quality of life.