An Introduction to Respiratory Muscle Testing and Training: The Basics of Better Breathing

Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, attendees will be able to:
● Utilize clinical evaluation procedures of respiratory muscle performance, to determine indications for training and gauge progress.
● Correctly interpret the findings provided by respiratory muscle testing to implement appropriate plans of care incorporating RMT.
● Incorporate respiratory muscle testing and training programs in their current practice setting.

Course Description:
This course will provide attendees with evidence-based respiratory muscle testing protocols, and guidelines for training. Attendees will also learn how to modify protocols for health conditions where impaired respiratory muscle performance is more prevalent. Lastly, attendees will learn how to implement respiratory muscle testing and training programs into their clinical practice.

Instructor: Rich Severin PT, DPT, PhD, CCS

Instructor Bio: Rich Severin PT, DPT, PhD is a board-certified cardiovascular and pulmonary clinical specialist. Dr. Severin serves as clinical assistant professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Illinois at Chicago and is the program coordinator of the UIC/UIHealth bariatric surgery rehabilitation program. Additionally, he serves as a member of the APTA Science and Practice Affairs Committee, associate editor of Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal and Chief Delegate for the APTA Academy of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy. He has published scholarly work and presented both nationally and internationally on the topics of respiratory muscle performance, ultrasonographic imaging, and medical screening in physical therapy practice. Additionally, he is the author of the section on respiratory muscle testing and training in the 12 th edition of the American College of Sports Medicine Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription.