EMST 150 – Expiratory Muscle Strength Trainer
€27.49 – €53.90 ex. VAT
The EMST 150 is the first calibrated expiratory muscle strength trainer designed specifically for individuals who want to enhance their breathing and swallow function.
With the EMST 150 you are able to tailor your exercise regime and help achieve results with greater effectiveness and in less time. The EMST150 is so lightweight and portable that it can fit in your briefcase or purse.
For private UK customers, please visit our Amazon store below for purchases:
NHS Workers: If you are an NHS worker, please contact us below using the contact form in the “More Information” tab.
Would you like to feel less breathless during a brisk walk on the beach, a refreshing swim, a bicycle ride? The EMST 150 builds respiratory muscle strength making your breathing more effortless during work and leisure.
The Expiratory Muscle Strength Training Device (EMST 150) was designed to build and boost lung pressure. Inside the EMST150 is a calibrated valve that will not open until the user generates enough lung pressure, working much like a pin in a weight machine.
In a recent study, 33-percent of people who tested the device improved their ability to swallow. The device is the only one in the United States proven to reduce airway invasion in Parkinson’s patients during swallowing.
EMST150 is now sold as standard with an additional oval mouth piece to improve lip seal.
Enquiry Form
How to use the EMST 150
Interview with Dr. Christine Sapienza about the EMST 150
EMST 150 report results
RMST: Early Intervention Rehab for Vent/Trach Patients & Covid-19 considerations
EMST 150 Toolkit
IA150 Instructions
What is respiratory muscle strength training?
Respiratory muscle strength training programs are exercise based programs that work to strengthen the muscles used in breathing. Leith and Bradley (1976) first demonstrated in healthy individuals that the respiratory muscles, like their skeletal muscle counterparts, could be specifically trained to improve strength or endurance.
Over the years our suppliers, as well as other researchers, have found that these programs help other functions, like speech, cough and swallowing. The programs can be either inspiratory or expiratory and are typically accomplished using handheld devices. Training durations typically are 4-8 weeks. Training trials usually take 20-30 min per day.
What is the EMST 150 device?
The EMST 150 is a device that was developed to help strengthen the expiratory muscles used for breathing. EMST stands for Expiratory Muscle Strength Training. It has a pressure range that goes to 150 cmH20, which is why call it the “150.”
Why use the EMST 150?
The EMST 150 is a simple way to strengthen the expiratory/exhalatory muscles in a short period of time. There is no machine at the gym or health club that can accomplish this for you. If you are in need of improving the power and endurance of your breathing, the EMST 150 can do that for you simply and efficiently.
Is there research supporting the use of the EMST 150?
Our suppliers have been studying respiratory muscle strength training outcomes since the late 1990’s. They started investigating how it could be used with patients that have limited glottal airway space. From there they moved our work to others with muscle weakness including multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury etc.
Their latest work has focused on patients with Parkinson’s disease. The largest randomized clinical trial on EMST is published in Neurology(2010). In this work they found positive outcomes for variables related to airway protection.
Can everyone use the EMST 150?
There are certain contraindications for the use of the EMST 150, so patients are encouraged to discuss the program with their physician. Some of the contraindication include occurrence of acute stroke, untreated hypertension, untreated gastroesophageal reflux and pregnancy.
Do I need to wear the nose clips when I train with the device?
Yes. The nose clips must be worn when training to prevent air from leaking out of your nose as you are blowing forcefully into the EMST 150. If air leaks out of the nose, the training effect will be lessened.
How do I know where to start the training with my patient?
Instructions for use are included with the EMST 150. The trainer is typically set to 75% of the user’s maximum ability to generate an expiratory pressure (MEP). So, if the EMST Gauge reads 100 then you would set your device to 75, start training there for one week and after one week, remeasure your MEP and reset your trainer if the MEP increased.
How do I know how long to train the patient at each level?
It is suggested that you train at each level for one week, 5 days per week, completing 25 breaths through the device per day (5 sets of 5 breaths). The training should be done all at once and will take between 15 and 20 minutes per day.
Should the device be shared with someone else?
Absolutely not. Sharing your device may transfer germs between users. Think of the EMST 150 like your toothbrush.
How is the EMST 150 cleaned?
Simply clean the EMST 150 with dishwashing soap and rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Should I rest in between sets?
Yes. It is recommended to rest 1 to 2 minutes between sets.
If a patient stops the training program what happens?
Yes there is a concept in the neuroplasticity literature called Use it or Lose it. This is also referred to as detraining in the exercise literature. It is basically a reversal of the adaptations gained with exercise. So it is recommend that patients continue to train with the respiratory strength training devices, between 2 to 3 days per week.
