Training frequency of participants over 1 year along with self-reported benefits of RMT and barriers preventing RMT use independently (33 participants completed survey after 1 year)
| Training frequency over 1 year | Percentage of participants reported | Self-reported benefits of RMT | Percentage of participants reported | Self-reported barriers to RMT | Percentage of participants reported |
| Sham group | Helped strengthen muscles | 45 (n=15) | Busyness with life/lack of time | 27 (n=9) | |
| Daily | 0 (n=0) | Breathing is better; more air in lungs | 30 (n=10) | Laziness | 24 (n=8) |
| Three times per week | 6 (n=2) | Felt better/fresher next day as more air in chest; ‘like a tonic’ | 15 (n=5) | No carer to assist as poor hand function | 18 (n=6) |
| Once per week | 3 (n=1) | None | 15 (n=5)* | Forgetfulness | 18 (n=6) |
| Randomly | 6 (n=2) | Increase awareness of breathing habits | 12 (n=4) | None | 15 (n=5)† |
| Never | 27 (n=9) | Good exercise | 6 (n=2) | Lack of time with carer | 12 (n=4) |
| Active group | Less breathlessness when sitting upright | 3 (n=1) | Felt could breathe well enough | 12 (n=4) | |
| Daily | 6 (n=2) | Less requirement for assisted coughs | 3 (n=1) | Not fun sucking on plastic | 9 (n=3) |
| Three times per week | 3 (n=1) | Improved ability to talk | 3 (n=1) | Too complex | 9 (n=3) |
| Once per week | 6 (n=2) | Helped sleep apnoea | 3 (n=1) | Misplaced device | 6 (n=2) |
| Randomly | 18 (n=6) | No coach/trainer meant less motivation | 3 (n=1) | ||
| Never | 24 (n=8) | Lack of interest | 3 (n=1) |
*Four of these participants were training with a sham device.
†All participants had continued using the device after initial 6 weeks of trial.
RMT, respiratory muscle training.