The Use of Functional Electrical Stimulation in Conjunction With Respiratory Muscle Training to Improve Unaided Cough in Individuals With Acute Spinal Cord Injury
University of Miami
Summary
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.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Traumatic and atraumatic C2- T12 Spinal cord injury (AIS A, B, and C motor incomplete and complete injuries) currently admitted to inpatient rehabilitation with an injury date \< 12 months prior to enrollment 2. Positive response to electrical stimulation through a palpable contraction 3. Fluent in written and spoken English Exclusion Criteria: 1. Individuals who do not meet inclusion criteria 2. Prisoners 3. Concurrent traumatic brain injury determined by Rancho level of cognitive functioning \< VI 4. Individuals with open tracheostomy 5. Persons with pacemakers 6. P…
Interventions
- DeviceXcite Clinical Station
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.
Location
- University of MiamiMiami, Florida