Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) and speech pathology

Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) is an evidence-based rehabilitation approach designed to strengthen the muscles we use to breathe out forcefully. It involves using a small handheld device that creates resistance when you exhale, helping to build the strength and power of your expiratory muscles over time.

Why is this important? The muscles targeted in EMST play a crucial role in everyday functions such as coughing, voice production, breathing, and swallowing. For people with neurological conditions, respiratory weakness, or swallowing difficulties, EMST can be a valuable tool in improving safety and quality of life.

Research has shown that strengthening these muscles can lead to improved cough effectiveness, better airway protection during swallowing, and stronger voice output.

EMST is a simple, portable, and structured way to work on respiratory muscle strength—often used alongside other therapy approaches for a holistic treatment plan.

EMST may benefit people with Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Presbyphonia, or age-related voice changes, Post-stroke dysphagia, Myotonic dystrophy, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Motor Neuron Disease.

EMST allows us to be specific about the muscles we target with exercise.

We have seen good outcomes in using EMST, including:
🌬️ Improved cough airflow - coughing is important for preventing food and drink going into the lungs (aspiration), which could lead to a pneumonia (aspiration pneumonia)
🌬️ Improvements in pharyngeal swallow function and saliva management
🌬️ Improved measures of swallow-related quality of life
🌬️ When combined with a voice therapy program, we see an effect of increased speech loudness
🌬️ Reduced risk of aspiration

For individualised support, get in touch with your Newcastle speech pathologist.

0467 093 613
speechpathology@newcastleneuro.com.au
www.newcastleneuro.com.au