Article

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the efficiency of a cough assistance device, the Cough
Aid, in patients with weak respiratory muscles with bulbar palsy and/or
tracheostomy. The Cough Aid is a device that has been developed to substitute for
glottis function. DESIGN: Before-after trial. A total of 74
patients with bulbar palsy and/or tracheostomy, as well as respiratory muscle
weakness, were recruited. METHODS: Forced vital capacity, unassisted cough peak
flow, lung insufflation capacity, and assisted cough peak flow were measured via
tracheostomy or oronasal interface. Lung insufflation capacity and assisted cough
peak flow were measured using the Cough Aid. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In all 74
subjects, lung insufflation capacities measured with the device were
significantly higher than forced vital capacities (p < 0.01). Assisted cough peak
flows measured using the device were also significantly higher than unassisted
cough peak flows (p < 0.01). The Cough Aid is effective in helping to increase
cough flow and assisting in the air stacking exercise by substituting the
function of the glottis in patients who have glottis dysfunction or a
tracheostomy tube.

Langue : ANGLAIS