The Use of Functional Electrical Stimulation in Conjunction With Respiratory Muscle Training to Improve Unaided Cough in Individuals With Acute Spinal Cord Injury

The Use of Functional Electrical Stimulation in Conjunction With Respiratory Muscle Training to Improve Unaided Cough in Individuals With Acute Spinal Cord Injury

The overall objective of this study is to improve unaided cough with abdominal and latissimus dorsi functional electrical stimulation in conjunction with respiratory muscle training in individuals with acute spinal cord injuries.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Traumatic and atraumatic C2- T12 Spinal cord injury (AIS A, B, and C motor incomplete and complete injuries) currently admitted to inpatient rehabilitation with an injury date < 12 months prior to enrollment
2. Positive response to electrical stimulation through a palpable contraction
3. Fluent in written and spoken English

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Individuals who do not meet inclusion criteria
2. Prisoners
3. Concurrent traumatic brain injury determined by Rancho level of cognitive functioning < VI
4. Individuals with open tracheostomy
5. Persons with pacemakers
6. Pregnant women
7. Persons with epilepsy
8. Open wounds or metal implants at site of electrode placement
9. Unresponsive to functional electrical stimulation
10. Current diagnosis or history of thoraco-abdomino-pelvic cancer