Abstract: Objective To investigate the effects of respiratory training on motor function in patients with acute stroke. Methods From 2012 to 2014, 80 patients with acute stroke were randomly assigned into treatment group and control group equally. The control group received routine rehabilitation training, while the treatment group received respiratory training in addition. All the patients were assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and modified Bathel Index (MBI) before and eight weeks after treatment. Results The scores of FMA and MBI improved more in the treatment group than in the control group (t>3.938, P<0.001) after treatment. Conclusion Respiratory training may promote the recovery of motor function in acute stroke patients.

Key words: stroke, respiratory training, motor function, activities of daily living