Abdominal functional electrical stimulation to enhance mechanical insufflation-exsufflation.

ABSTRACT:

Context

Respiratory complications, attributed to the build-up of secretions in the airway, are a leading cause of rehospitalisation for the tetraplegic population. Previously, we observed that the application of Abdominal Functional Electrical Stimulation (AFES) improved cough function and increased demand for secretion removal, suggesting AFES may aid secretion clearance. Clinically, secretion clearance is commonly achieved by using Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) to simulate a cough. In this study the feasibility of combining AFES with MI-E is evaluated.

Findings

AFES was successfully combined with MI-E at eight fortnightly assessment sessions conducted with one sub-acute participant with tetraplegia. By using the signal from a pressure sensor, integrated with

SUBMITTER: McCaughey EJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5137572 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature