Abstract: Respiratory dysfunction is a significant part of disorders associated with stroke. Stroke could impair respiratory center or motor pathway, leading to alter breath pattern or reduced respiratory muscle strength. Pneumonia secondary to stroke and stroke-associated sleep apnea are common respiratory disorder, which are adverse to the prognosis of stroke. Clinical routine physical examination is basic evaluation of respiratory function. Attention should be paid especially in breath pattern, respiratory muscle volume and muscle tone. Multiple quantitative assessments include arterial blood gas analysis, sleep apnea monitoring, dynamical, imaging and electrophysiological tests. Rehabilitation can be used to improve the inspiratory muscle strength, endurance and cough effectiveness, reduce sleep apnea hypoventilation, enhance the cardiorespiratory fitness, finally improve the quality of life in stroke patients.

Key words: stroke, respiration, dysfunction, respiratory muscle, review