Importance

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Abstract

A respiratory exercise apparatus and method for providing resistance and percussion during inspiration and expiration. The apparatus includes a main body having an inner cavity, an orifice in communication with the inner cavity, and at least one aperture in communication with the inner cavity. A member is disposed and is movable relative to the main body. Pursuant to the method, upon movement of the member, the aperture in the main body is opened and closed. In one embodiment, the member has a plurality of circumferentially-spaced apertures which can be of different sizes. The user can select different size apertures to align to provide varying degrees of resistance to inspiration and expiration. By moving the member during inspiration and expiration, the apertures are sequentially aligned with the at least one aperture in the main body, providing a percussion effect. The user can control movement of the member with a lever pivotally disposed within a mouthpiece disposed over the orifice in the main body. The inner end of the lever engages the member. When the user closes the jaw muscles on the mouthpiece to press the lever downward, the lever pivots and rotates the member. When the user opens the jaw muscles, the member returns to the original position.

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First Claim