PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of respiratory muscle strengthening training on pulmonary function and gait ability in patients with subacute stroke. METHODS: Eighteen inpatients with subacute stroke were recruited for this study. The subjects were randomized into two group. All study groups participated in a conventional stroke rehabilitation intervention 30minutes a day 5 times a week for 4 weeks. For subjects from the experimental group, respiratory muscle strengthening training was performed: 30minutes a day 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Outcomes such as the pulmonary function(Forced Vital Capacity, Forced Expiratory Volume in one second, Maximal Voluntary Ventilation) and gait ability(10m walk test, 6 minute walk test) were measured before and after training. RESULT: There were significant differences of pulmonary function(FVC, FEV1 and MVV) and gait ability(10m walk test, 6minute walk test) between pre and post in the experimental group. In comparison of two group, experimental group was significant different pulmonary function(FVC, FEV1, MVV) and gait ability(6minute walk test) than control group. but, There was no significant difference of the gait ability(10m walk test). CONCLUSION: This study showed experimental group can be used to improve pulmonary function and gait ability than control group. These findings suggest that the respiratory muscle strengthening training effect on pulmonary function and gait ability for rehabilitation in patients with subacute stroke.