Dr Christine Sapienza, PhD, CCC-SLP, Education Lead for USA
Dr Sapienza, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an internationally recognised scientist and clinician whose 30-year career has helped shape the science and clinical application of Respiratory Muscle Strength Training (RMST). She is widely regarded as a pioneer in expiratory muscle strength training (EMST), with landmark contributions demonstrating its impact on airway protection, swallowing safety, cough effectiveness and voice-respiratory control.
Across her distinguished academic career, Dr Sapienza has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and contributed to leading textbooks and federally supported research programs, that have helped translate respiratory physiology research into clinical rehabilitation practice.
In her role with POWERbreathe, Dr Sapienza will lead educational programmes, workshops, webinars and professional training initiatives across the USA, via The Better Breathing Institute, supporting healthcare practitioners, performance specialists and fitness professionals in the application of RMST assessment, prescription and implementation.
Dr Sapienza’s recommended reading
- What is Expiratory Muscle Strength Training?
- Expiratory Muscle Strength Training for Dysphagia
- How EMT works
Christine’s POWERbreathe Product of Choice
The POWERbreathe EX1 is an advanced Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) device designed to strengthen the muscles involved in breathing out, coughing, swallowing and voice production. For individuals living with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease and Stroke, reduced expiratory muscle strength can contribute to swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), weakened cough effectiveness, impaired airway protection and communication challenges. EMST with the POWERbreathe EX1 helps target these critical functions by improving expiratory muscle strength and endurance, supporting safer swallowing, stronger cough clearance and enhanced vocal intensity. Developed in conjunction with healthcare professionals, using clinically validated pressure-threshold technology, the POWERbreathe EX1 provides a simple, drug-free rehabilitation tool that can be incorporated into therapy programmes to help maintain respiratory health, reduce the risk of aspiration-related complications and support greater independence and quality of life.
The EX1 can be paired with the POWERbreathe Smart Adaptor and ActiBreathe App, to deliver real-time biofeedback and detailed training analytics, transforming traditional EMST into a more engaging, measurable and personalised therapy experience. Clinicians and users can monitor key performance metrics including lung strength, track progress over time and optimise training intensity with objective data, helping to improve adherence and outcomes. This innovative digital approach is helping to revolutionise expiratory muscle training by bringing greater precision, motivation and evidence-based monitoring to respiratory rehabilitation.
Dr Christine Sapienza says
Respiratory muscle strength training is a cornerstone of functional recovery and performance, said Dr Sapienza. POWERbreathe has played a significant role in advancing accessible, science-driven training tools and I am honoured to help expand its educational and clinical impact across the US and globally.
You can connect directly with Christine below via Linkedin or Contact us for more information.
Christine’s research on respiratory muscle training has genuinely shaped how healthcare professionals think about voice, swallowing and airway protection. I’m excited to welcome her to POWERbreathe, to support our education initiatives, as we continue to deliver evidence-based expertise and better breathing technologies, to clinicians and patients worldwide. Dr Sabrina Brar, Chief Future Officer.
