Improved coil design for functional magnetic stimulation of expiratory muscles

Our studies have demonstrated effective stimulation of the expiratory muscles in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) using functional magnetic stimulation (FMS). The observed contraction of the expiratory muscles and functional improvement of the pulmonary functions make functional magnetic stimulation an appropriate tool for expiratory muscle training. To fully capitalize on the benefits of FMS for expiratory muscle training, this study aimed to optimize the magnetic coils (MCs). The primary goal of this study was to investigate how two parameters of the MC size and winding structure, would affect expiratory muscle training. By varying these parameters, our approach was to conceptualize and evaluate the induced electric field and nerve activation function distributions of six coils, round 9.2, 13.7, and 20 cm, and spiral 9.2-, 13.7-, and 20-cm coils in the computer modeling phase. Round 9.2 cm, spiral 13.7 cm, and spiral 20-cm coils were also evaluated in experimental studies for induced electrical field and in clinical studies of expiratory muscles. Both the computer models and experimental measurements indicated that the spiral 20-cm coil can not only stimulate more expiratory spinal nerves but can also stimulate them more evenly. In addition, coils with larger diameters had better penetration than those with smaller diameters. The clinical results showed that the spiral 20-cm coil produced higher expiratory pressure, flow, and volume in five able-bodied subjects, and it was the coil of choice among the subjects when asked their preferences. In our attempt to optimize MC design for FMS of expiratory muscle training, we followed the designing guidelines set out in our previous study and arrived at a more effective tool.