The efficacy of pulmonary rehabilitation using a mechanical in-exsufflator and feedback respiratory training for cervical cord injury patients

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of pulmonary rehabilitation using a mechanical in-exsufflator and feedback respiratory training on cervical cord injury (SCI) patients. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-eight patients were selected through a random sampling method and divided into two groups: an experimental group (n=19) and a control group (n=19). The intervention was conducted five times per week over a four-week period. [Results] In the respiratory training group, there were significance improvements in the ratio (%VC) of the predicted value, forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1), and unassisted peak cough flow (UPCF) after the intervention. [Conclusion] The results suggest that pulmonary rehabilitation using a mechanical in-exsufflator and feedback respiratory training is effective at increasing the lung function, as well as augmenting the strength of cough capacity. This may reduce the respiratory system-related complications of cervical cord injury patients.