Breathing-muscle training in multiple sclerosis showed mixed fatigue results
Trial results favored breathing strength and lung function, but fatigue findings depended on the questionnaire used.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Respiratory muscle training improved measures of breathing-muscle strength and lung function in the pooled trials. Fatigue results were less consistent: scores improved on the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, while the Fatigue Severity Scale did not show a statistically significant improvement. The abstract therefore supports a narrower conclusion than a general claim that training reduces all aspects of fatigue.
The abstract does not describe control conditions or establish lasting benefits. The differing questionnaire results also limit how broadly the fatigue findings can be interpreted.
Different fatigue measures
One questionnaire showed improvements across physical, cognitive and psychosocial fatigue impact. The other did not show a clear effect on fatigue severity. A nonsignificant result leaves uncertainty; it does not prove an absence of benefit.
Breathing outcomes are distinct
The review assessed breathing pressures and lung-function measures alongside fatigue. Improvements in those measured functions do not by themselves establish a change in every daily symptom or show whether gains persist after training ends.
The original publication
Effects of Respiratory Muscle Training on Respiratory Function and Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Chen Y, Meng K, Jiang G et al.
Mult Scler Relat Disord · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41512727
- Record checked
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