The use of operant conditioning techniques in the respiratory rehabilitation of the tetraplegic.

This paper discusses the development of a pilot project in respiratory rehabilitation as part of the total rehabilitation of the tetraplegic and high paraplegic. The principles of neuromuscular exercise and of behaviouristic psychology introduce the subject of operant learning in the rehabilitation setting. Incentive spirometry is described as the basic element in the development of a respiratory rehabilitation programme. The preliminary results are analysed and a recommendation made that such a programme materially increases the respiratory function of the tetraplegic, and, not least, assists in his ability to combat intercurrent respiratory infection.