Respiratory training for a person with C3-C4 tetraplegia

Persons with high tetraplegic spinal cord injuries commonly have respiratory complications that may negatively impact their health and quality of life. Treatment of these respiratory problems often requires significant health care dollars. This case report describes and evaluates the effect of a yearlong respiratory intervention, which included inspiratory muscle training and positive expiratory pressure therapy, for a person with C3-C4 tetraplegia. The intervention improved both inspiratory muscle force and pulmonary function values. Respiratory infections, frequency of suctioning and physiotherapy treatment time decreased progressively throughout the intervention. There were no admissions to the acute care hospital after the interventions began. This intervention improved the participant's health and wellbeing and reduced costs to the health care system.