Respiratory muscle training in non-athletes and athletes with spinal cord injury: A systematic review of the effects on pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength and endurance, and cardiorespiratory fitness based on the FITT principle of exercise prescription.

Background: Respiratory muscle training (RMT) has been recommended to mitigate impacts of spinal cord injuries (SCI), but the optimal dosage in terms of the frequency, intensity, time, and type (FITT principle) to promote health in SCI individuals remains unclear.

Objective: To discuss research related to the effects of RMT on pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength and cardiorespiratory fitness in athletes and non-athletes with SCI, presenting the FITT principle.

Methods: We performed a systematic review.