Effectiveness of respiratory rehabilitation in cervicothoracic spinal cord injury: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Respiratory dysfunction is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in patients with cervicothoracic spinal cord injury (SCI). This dysfunction primarily arises from diaphragmatic paralysis, impaired neural control of respiratory muscles, and autonomic dysregulation, leading to reduced ventilatory capacity and compromised respiratory performance. Although various respiratory rehabilitation strategies are widely used, their comparative effectiveness remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate and rank non-pharmacological respiratory rehabilitation interventions for improving pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, and dyspnea in individuals with cervicothoracic SCI.

Review methods

A systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis were conducted

SUBMITTER: Liu Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12834050 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature