Effect of Two Breathing Methods on Cough Strength of Tetraplegics. V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Crossover Study to Investigate Effects on Peak Cough Flow using Breath Stacking with and without Manual Assisted Cough Compared to Deep Breaths in Self Ventilating Tetraplegics: A Pilot Study
IRAS ID
195356
Contact name
Salman Lari
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Southport and Ormskirk NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 4 days
Research summary
It is known that, world-wide, people with tetraplegia have a high risk of respiratory complications such as atelectasis (collapse of portions of lung tissue), mucous plugging and respiratory tract infections. This is usually attributed to weakened breathing and abdominal muscles, meaning that ability to take deep breaths and cough is adversely affected. This impacts on length and frequency of hospitalisation and remains a major cause of death and health-related costs. There is no clear evidence to guide on the best method of reducing these risks in this population.\nThis pilot study aims to investigate if breath-stacking either with or without manual assisted coughs improves efficacy of cough compared to deep breaths with or without manual assisted coughs as measured by peak cough flow. It is hoped that this will enable further study of decreasing the rate of these respiratory complications and improve chest care guidance for patients and their carers.\nTetraplegic patients in their first admission to a regional spinal injuries centre in the UK will be considered for enrolment if they satisfy the study inclusion and exclusion criteria. They will be taught how to perform peak cough flow and vital capacity measurements which will be taken at the start of study. The techniques of breath-stacking and deep breaths will each be practised over a 6 week period before assessment, with a washout period between them in order to minimise carry-over of effects.\nBreath Stacking is a technique where an individual inhales to their maximum and the breath is held by use of a 1 way valve. They take subsequent breaths until achieving a maximum inspiration capacity. This is a technique commonly used with general neurological patients.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NW/0302
Date of REC Opinion
15 Apr 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion