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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
14:10
Isometric and Eccentric Force Generation Assessment of Skeletal Muscles Isolated from Murine Models of Muscular Dystrophies
Published on: January 31, 2013
Cough augmentation in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Yuka Ishikawa1, John R Bach, Eugene Komaroff
1Department of Pediatrics, Yakumo Byoin National Sanatorium, Hokkaido, Japan.
American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
|August 22, 2008
Summary
Air stacking significantly improves cough peak flows (CPF) in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients. Combining air stacking with abdominal thrusts yielded the greatest CPF augmentation, especially for those with weaker initial coughs.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Physiology
- Neuromuscular Disorders
Background:
- Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) impairs respiratory muscle strength.
- Effective cough peak flow (CPF) is crucial for airway clearance in DMD patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of deep lung insufflation (air stacking) versus abdominal thrusts, and their combination, in augmenting CPF for individuals with DMD.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-one DMD patients had their unassisted CPF measured.
- CPF was also measured with assistance from air stacking (CPFair), abdominal thrusts (CPFthrust), and a combination (aCPF).
Main Results:
- Mean CPF values were: unassisted (138 L/min), CPFthrust (204 L/min), CPFair (236 L/min), and aCPF (302 L/min).
- All pairwise comparisons showed statistically significant differences (P < 0.0001).
- Air stacking provided greater CPF augmentation than abdominal thrusts alone.
Conclusions:
- Air stacking is more effective than abdominal thrusts for increasing CPF in DMD.
- The combination of air stacking and abdominal thrusts achieved the highest CPF.
- Patients with the weakest unassisted coughs experienced the most significant CPF improvements with assisted techniques.
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