Telespirometry in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Home-Based Spirometry Through Telemedicine in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

The investigators seek to validate Slow Vital Capacity (SVC) measurement in seated and supine positions using conventional and portable spirometry.

SVC is obtained with in-clinic conventional spirometry, in-clinic portable spirometry, and in-home portable spirometry with respiratory therapist-supervised remote pulmonary function testing every two weeks in a six month prospective study of participants with a diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. SVC decline over time, seated and supine, will be tracked with assessments for treatment changes.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosis of ALS as Clinically Possible, Clinically Probable, Laboratory-supported Probable and Clinically Definite ALS
2. 18 years old to 100 years old, English-speaking ALS subjects, male and female

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Use of non-invasive ventilation more than 16 hours daily
2. Non-English Speaker
3. Psychosis or severe mental illness
4. Use of high-dose sedating psychotropic medications determined to potentially interfere with task performance
5. Infection Control issues and specific Pulmonary, Cardiac, Vascular contraindications as listed in the Standardization of Spirometry 2019 Update (Graham 2019)