The effect of pectoralis muscle training in tetraplegic subjects.

We have previously shown that subjects with traumatic tetraplegia use the clavicular portion of the pectoralis major to expire actively. To determine if we could improve the expiratory function of these subjects, we studied six patients in whom the pectoralis major was trained by repetitive, strenuous, isometric contractions for 6 wk. Six patients receiving conventional respiratory rehabilitation served as control subjects.