Laryngeal movements in healthy subjects during mechanical insufflation-exsufflation

Abstract

Airway clearance is one of the main elements in respiratory physiotherapy. Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) is a mechanical cough device that works through application of a positive pressure during inspiration and a negative pressure during expiration. It is the most effective approach to increase peak cough flow in patients with neuromuscular diseases, thereby potentially augmenting airway clearance. Co-ordinated movements of the glottis are probably crucial for effect, but laryngeal response patterns to MI-E have not been studied.