Improvement of Peak Cough Flow After the Application of a Mechanical In-exsufflator in Patients With Neuromuscular Disease and Pneumonia: A Pilot Study

• Published in: Annals of rehabilitation medicine 2018, 42(6), , pp.833-837
• Main Authors: Jung, Ji Ho, Oh, Hyeon Jun, Lee, Jang Woo, Suh, Mi Ri, Park, Jihyun, Choi, Won Ah, Kang, Seong-Woong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Mechanical in-exsufflator; Neuromuscular diseases; Original; Peak cough flow; Pneumonia; 재활의학
• ISSN: 2234-0645; 2234-0653
• DOI: 10.5535/arm.2018.42.6.833

To investigate and demonstrate persistent increase of peak cough flow after mechanical in-exsufflator application, in patients with neuromuscular diseases and pneumonia. A mechanical in-exsufflator was applied with patients in an upright or semi-upright sitting position (pressure setting, +40 and -40 cmH2O; in-exsufflation times, 2-3 and 1-2 seconds, respectively). Patients underwent five cycles, with 20-30 second intervals to prevent hyperventilation. Peak cough flow without and with assistive maneuvers, was evaluated before, and 15 and 45 minutes after mechanical in-exsufflator application. Peak cough flow was 92.6 L/min at baseline, and 100.4 and 100.7 L/min at 15 and 45 minutes after mechanical in-exsufflator application, respectively. Assisted peak cough flow at baseline, 15 minutes, and 45 minutes after mechanical in-exsufflator application was 170.7, 179.3, and 184.1 L/min, respectively. While peak cough flow and assisted peak cough flow increased significantly at 15 minutes after mechanical in-exsufflator application compared with baseline (p=0.030 and p=0.016), no statistical difference was observed between 15 and 45 minutes. Increased peak cough flow after mechanical in-exsufflator application persists for at least 45 minutes.