Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026
09:43
Functional and Morphological Assessment of Diaphragm Innervation by Phrenic Motor Neurons
Published on: May 25, 2015
Diaphragm training in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Rachel Nardin1, Carl O'Donnell, Stephen H Loring
1Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA. rnardin@bidmc.harvard.edu
Journal of Clinical Neuromuscular Disease
|January 27, 2009
Summary
Diaphragm training did not significantly improve respiratory function or quality of life in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. Some patients showed a trend toward slower decline, but mastering the technique proved difficult.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pulmonology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) progressively impairs respiratory function and quality of life.
- Effective therapies to support respiratory health in ALS patients are crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of diaphragm training in improving respiratory function and quality of life in ALS patients.
- To assess the feasibility and patient-reported outcomes of diaphragm training in this population.
Main Methods:
- Pilot trial involving 8 subjects with ALS and respiratory involvement.
- Baseline measurements of respiratory function and quality of life.
- Diaphragm training intervention followed by 6- and 12-week follow-up assessments.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant improvements were observed in respiratory function or quality of life outcomes.
- A nonsignificant trend suggested a slower rate of respiratory decline in subjects who successfully mastered diaphragm training.
- Only 50% of participants were able to successfully alter their breathing pattern.
Conclusions:
- Diaphragm training, as implemented, did not yield significant benefits for ALS patients' respiratory health.
- Patient-specific challenges in mastering the technique necessitate consideration for future trial design.
- Larger studies are warranted to further investigate diaphragm training, accounting for learning difficulties.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Cross-bridge Cycle
As muscle contracts, the overlap between the thin and thick filaments increases, decreasing the length of the sarcomere—the contractile unit of the muscle—using energy in the form of ATP. At the molecular level, this is a cyclic, multistep process that involves binding and hydrolysis of ATP, and movement of actin by myosin.
01:20Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular transmission disorder characterized by weakness and increased fatigability of skeletal muscles. It is an autoimmune disease affecting approximately one in 2000 people, where antibodies against the α1 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are produced.
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which leads...
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which leads...