The overall objective of this study is to improve unaided cough with abdominal and latissimus dorsi functional electrical stimulation in conjunction with respiratory muscle training in individuals with acute spinal cord injuries.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
50
The abdominal functional electrical stimulation (AFES) will be conducted using the Xcite system. This is a battery-powered stimulator with up to 12 channels of cyclical stimulation. It is a task-specific modality to enhance mass practice during neurological re-education. The electrical stimulation will be applied to the abdominal and back muscles. In addition, participants will receive two specific respiratory muscle training exercises performed 3 days per week.
University of Miami
Miami, Florida, United States
RECRUITINGPercentage change in peak cough flow (PCF)
Assessing the percentage change in peak cough flow as assessed by peak expiratory flow meter with a pillow face mask.
Time frame: one week pre-intervention and up to 4 weeks post-intervention
Percentage change in peak expiratory flow
Assessing the percentage change in peak expiratory flow as assessed by peak expiratory flow meter with a pillow face mask.
Time frame: one week pre-intervention and up to 4 weeks post-intervention
Percentage change in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)
Assessing the percentage change in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) as measured by the spirobank II. Measured in Liters/minute.
Time frame: one week pre-intervention and up to 4 weeks post-intervention
Percentage change in forced vital capacity (FVC)
Assessing the percentage change in forced vital capacity (FVC) as measured by the spirobank II. Measured in Liters/minute.
Time frame: one week pre-intervention and up to 4 weeks post-intervention
Percentage change in maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP)
Assessing the percentage change in maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) as measured by the MicroSpiro. Measured in Liters/minute.
Time frame: one week pre-intervention and up to 4 weeks post-intervention
Percentage change in maximum expiratory pressure (MEP)
Assessing the percentage change in maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) as measured by the MicroSpiro. Measured in Liters/minute.
Time frame: one week pre-intervention and up to 4 weeks post-intervention
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Change in cough effectiveness as measured by Likert Scale
The 5-point Likert scale will be used to obtain a self-rated perception of cough effectiveness. The participant will be asked to rate how strong and how well secretions were cleared after coughing. The rating scale will range from 1=very poor; 2=poor; 3=fair, 4=good; 5= very good. A score of 4 or 5 is classified as effectively clearing secretions after coughing.
Time frame: one week pre-intervention and up to 4 weeks post-intervention