This course equips interdisciplinary rehabilitation professionals with a practical, evidence-based framework for safely integrating Respiratory Muscle Strength Training (RMST) into Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) care. Dispelling historical concerns of "overwork weakness," the session explores how targeted Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) preserves respiratory function, enhances swallow kinematics, and fortifies vital airway defense mechanisms without accelerating disease progression. Clinicians will bridge the gap between research and clinical application by mastering pressure-threshold device selection, resistance calibration, and the validated "Rule of Fives" dosing protocol. Ultimately, this course empowers therapists to confidently design, progress, and monitor home-based respiratory training programs that maximize patient independence and optimize long-term respiratory health.
Live Webinar
Thu, Sep 3, 2026 at 12:00 pm EDTCEUs/Hours Offered: AK/1.0; AL/1.0; AR/1.0; AZ/1.0; CA/1.0; CO/1.0; CT/1.0; DC/1.0; DE/1.0; FL/1.0; GA/1.0; HI/1.0; IA/1.0; IACET/0.1; ID/1.0; IL/1.0; IN/1.0; KS/1.0; KY/1.0; MA/1.0; MD/1.0; ME/1.0; MI/1.0; MO/1.0; MS/1.0; MT/1.0; NC/1.0; ND/1.0; NE/1.0; NH/1.0; NM/1.0; NY/1.2; OK/1.0; OR/1.0; PA/1.0; RI/1.0; SC/1.0; SD/1.0; TX/1.0; UT/1.0; VA/1.0; VT/1.0; WA/1.0; WI/1.0; WY/1.0
Learning Outcomes
- After this course, participants will be able to evaluate the physiological impacts of ALS on the respiratory muscles and how Respiratory Muscle Strength Training (RMST) may impact this diagnosis-related decline.
- After this course, participants will be able to evaluate the safety and efficacy of moderate-intensity respiratory resistance training in the ALS population to overcome historical clinical hesitations regarding "overwork weakness."
- After this course, participants will be able to design a tailored, home-based respiratory training program for a patient with ALS utilizing appropriate pressure-threshold device calibration and the validated "Rule of Fives" dosing protocol.
Agenda
| 0-20 Minutes | Introduction & Overcoming clinical hesitations |
| 20-25 Minutes | The physiology of expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) |
| 25-35 Minutes | Device selection & Calibration |
| 35-50 Minutes | Clinical implementation & Dosing |
| 50-60 Minutes | Conclusion and Q&A |
Presented By
Douglas Eck
PT, DPT, NCS, MHI, ATP
Douglas Eck is a neurologic physical therapist and a Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS) with over 10 years of clinical experience serving individuals with complex neurologic injuries and conditions. He earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) from Virginia Commonwealth University, followed by a Neurologic Residency and a Master of Healthcare Innovation (MHI) from The Ohio State University.
Specializing in the outpatient management of adults and adolescents, his primary clinical interests include rehabilitation for spinal cord injury and the treatment of neuromuscular diseases, including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and muscular dystrophies. Douglas is a dedicated advocate for the integration of cutting-edge applied science and emerging technology into daily interprofessional clinical practice to optimize patient outcomes.
In addition to his clinical work, Douglas serves as an adjunct professor and clinical instructor for doctoral-level neurologic curricula and is a regular presenter at national professional conferences. He is involved in various professional organizations and has received national recognition for creativity and excellence in clinical programming. His work is driven by a commitment to empowering patients by removing barriers to care, increasing access to technology, and building community through movement.
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Financial disclosures: Douglas Eck received an honorarium for this course.
Non-financial disclosures: Douglas Eck has no non-financial disclosures.
Sponsor Disclosure: This Course is presented by PhysicalTherapy.com, a Continued site.
Content Disclosure: This learning event does not focus exclusively on any specific product or service.
Course participation information
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California
PhysicalTherapy.com is a recognized continuing competency approval agency for the Physical Therapy Board of California. This course is offered for 1.00 hours of continuing competency.
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Washington D.C.
The District of Columbia Board of Physical Therapy (Board) has established that PhysicalTherapy.com is an approved continuing education provider for DC physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. Licensees must adhere to all other continuing education regulations of the Board, including those related to online courses and content.
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IL Physical Therapy Continuing Education Sponsor
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New Mexico
This course is offered for 1.00 hours (Introductory level) by the New Mexico Board of Physical Therapy.
New York
PhysicalTherapy.com is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Physical Therapy as an approved provider of physical therapy and physical therapist assistant continuing education.
Oklahoma
PhysicalTherapy.com is an Approved Provider by the Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure & Supervision for Physical Therapists, PT CE Provider BAP202310006. This course is offered for 1.00 hours of continuing education for Oklahoma PTs/PTAs.
Texas Physical Therapy Association
This course is offered for 1.00 hours (Introductory level) by the Texas Physical Therapy Association. The assignment of Texas PT CCUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by TPTA or TBPTE. The Texas Physical Therapy Association (TPTA) administers the CCAP on behalf of the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (Provider #2706033TX).
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