Voluntary upregulation of reflex cough is possible in healthy older adults and Parkinson's disease

Minimal Detectable Change of Cough and Lingual Strength Outcomes in Neurodegenerative Disease

OBJECTIVE

Minimal detectable change (MDC) represents the smallest amount of change required for an outcome to be considered real and not merely due to measurement error or task variability. This study aimed to examine MDC for cough and lingual strength outcomes among individuals with neurodegenerative disease.

METHODS

In a single session, individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), and cerebellar ataxia completed repeated measurements of voluntary sequential cough via spirometry (n = 143) and lingual isometric and swallowing pressure with the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (n = 231). The MDC at the 95% confidence level was calculated with the following formula: MDC = 1.96 × √2 × SEM.

RESULTS

MDC for cough strength was 0.52 L/s (PD), 0.57 L/s (PSP), and 0.20 L/s (ataxia). On trials with the same number of coughs, MDC for cough strength was 0.18 L/s in PD and 0.24 L/s in ataxia. MDC for lingual isometric pressure was 5.44 kPa (PD), 2.35 kPa (PSP), and 3.41 kPa (ataxia), whereas swallowing pressure was 5.60 kPa (PD), 2.97 kPa (PSP), and 7.34 kPa (ataxia).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings elucidate MDC for cough and lingual strength outcomes and expand our understanding of change that can be considered "real" and not merely due to task variability. MDC facilitates valid interpretations of changes following treatment, as well as power analyses to determine the smallest effect size of interest before data collection. To illustrate the application of MDC, we situate these findings in the context of hypothetical case studies and research studies.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 2024.

Hypotussic cough in persons with dysphagia: biobehavioral interventions and pathways to clinical implementation

Cough is a powerful, protective expulsive behavior that assists in maintaining respiratory health by clearing foreign material, pathogens, and mucus from the airways. Therefore, cough is critical to survival in both health and disease. Importantly, cough protects the airways and lungs from both antegrade (e.g., food, liquid, saliva) and retrograde (e.g., bile, gastric acid) aspirate contents. Aspiration is often the result of impaired swallowing (dysphagia), which allows oral and/or gastric contents to enter the lung, especially in individuals who also have cough dysfunction (dystussia). Cough hyposensitivity, downregulation, or desensitization- collectively referred to as hypotussia- is common in individuals with dysphagia, and increases the likelihood that aspirated material will reach the lung. The consequence of hypotussia with reduced airway clearance can include respiratory tract infection, chronic inflammation, and long-term damage to the lung parenchyma. Despite the clear implications for health, the problem of managing hypotussia in individuals with dysphagia is frequently overlooked. Here, we provide an overview of the current interventions and treatment approaches for hypotussic cough. We synthesize the available literature to summarize research findings that advance our understanding of these interventions, as well as current gaps in knowledge. Further, we highlight pragmatic resources to increase awareness of hypotussic cough interventions and provide support for the clinical implementation of evidence-based treatments. In culmination, we discuss potential innovations and future directions for hypotussic cough research.

Laryngeal Recalibration Therapy Improves Laryngopharyngeal Symptoms in Patients With Suspected Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease

INTRODUCTION

Laryngopharyngeal symptoms such as cough, throat clearing, voice change, paradoxic vocal fold movement, or laryngospasm are hyper-responsive behaviors resulting from local irritation (e.g., refluxate) and heightened sympathetic tone. Laryngeal recalibration therapy (LRT) guided by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) provides mechanical desensitization and cognitive recalibration to suppress hyper-responsive laryngeal patterns. The aim of this study was to assess symptom response to LRT among patients with chronic laryngopharyngeal symptoms undergoing evaluation of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

METHODS

Adults with chronic laryngopharyngeal symptoms referred for evaluation of GERD to a single center were prospectively followed. Inclusion criteria included ≥2 SLP-directed LRT sessions. Data from endoscopy, ambulatory reflux monitoring, and patient-reported outcomes were collected when available. The primary outcome was symptom response.

RESULTS

Sixty-five participants completed LRT: mean age 55.4 years (SD 17.2), 46 (71%) female, mean body mass index 25.6 kg/m 2 (6.8), and mean of 3.7 (1.9) LRT sessions. Overall, 55 participants (85%) met criteria for symptom response. Specifically, symptom response was similar between those with isolated laryngopharyngeal symptoms (13/15, 87%) and concomitant laryngopharyngeal/esophageal symptoms (42/50, 84%). Among participants who underwent reflux monitoring, symptom response was similar between those with proven, inconclusive for, and no GERD (18/21 [86%], 8/9 [89%], 10/13 [77%]).

DISCUSSION

Eighty-five percent of patients with chronic laryngopharyngeal symptoms referred for GERD evaluation who underwent LRT-experienced laryngeal symptom response. Rates of symptom response were maintained across patients with or without proven GERD and patients with or without concomitant esophageal reflux symptoms. SLP-directed LRT is an effective approach to incorporate into multidisciplinary management of chronic laryngopharyngeal symptoms/laryngopharyngeal reflux disease.

A Preliminary Study of Voluntary Cough Motor Performance and Learning With Skill Training and Biofeedback

PURPOSE

Sensorimotor cough skill training (CST) has been shown to improve cough strength, as well as facilitate changes during training (i.e., motor performance) and generalization to untrained tasks (i.e., motor learning). However, there is a gap in our understanding of the effects of voluntary CST (without sensory stimuli) on motor performance and learning. Furthermore, the contribution of physiologic factors, such as lung volume, a driver of cough strength in healthy adults, and treatment-specific factors, such as biofeedback, remains unexamined.

METHOD

Twenty individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) completed pre- and post-CST single voluntary, sequential voluntary, and reflex cough testing. Participants were randomized to biofeedback or no biofeedback groups. They completed one CST session involving 25 trials of voluntary coughs, with the treatment target set 25% above baseline peak flow. Participants were instructed to "cough hard" to exceed the target. In the biofeedback group, participants received direct visualization of the target line in real time.

RESULTS

Cough peak flow showed positive improvements in motor performance (β = .02; 95% credible interval [CI]: 0.01, 0.03) and learning (β = .26; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.47). Changes in lung volume from pre- to post-CST did not predict treatment response. No differences in treatment response were detected between the biofeedback groups.

CONCLUSIONS

A single session of voluntary CST improved voluntary cough motor performance and learning. Although lung volume increased during CST, changes to lung volume did not predict treatment response. These findings demonstrate the potential of voluntary CST to improve motor performance and motor learning among individuals with PD and cough dysfunction.

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL AND OPEN SCIENCE FORM

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.25447444.

Motor Performance During Sensorimotor Training for Airway Protection in Parkinson's Disease

INTRODUCTION

Cough dysfunction is highly prevalent in Parkinson's disease (PD) and associated with pneumonia, a leading cause of death. Although research suggests that cough can be volitionally upregulated, patterns of improvements that occur during cough skill training and potential correlates remain unexamined. Therefore, we sought to characterize changes to peak flow during cough skill training, examine whether early variability predicted motor performance trajectories during treatment, and explore the relationship between peak flow during cough skill training and motor learning on a similar but untrained task (i.e., reflex cough testing).

METHOD

This secondary analysis of treatment data from a randomized controlled trial included 28 individuals with PD who participated in five sessions of sensorimotor training for airway protection (smTAP). During this novel cough skill training, participants completed 25 repetitions of coughs targeting peak flow 25% above their baseline. Reflex and voluntary cough testing was performed pre- and posttreatment. Bayesian multilevel growth curve models provided group and individual-level estimates of peak flow during training.

RESULTS

The magnitude and consistency of peak flow increased during cough skill training. Variability in peak flow during the first treatment session was associated with greater improvements to peak flow in later sessions. There was no relationship between changes to peak flow during cough skill training and motor learning.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with PD improved the strength and variability of cough peak flow during cough skill training. These findings provide a clinically relevant characterization of motor performance during cough skill training and lend insight into potential correlates to guide future treatment paradigms.

Cough Characteristics and Their Association Patterns According to Cough Etiology: A Network Analysis

Although cough is a common respiratory symptom, determining its cause is challenging. We aimed to explore how cough severity and characteristics vary with different etiologies, while investigating their interrelations with demographic features. Adult patients (n = 220) with chronic cough and completed diagnostic work-up and the COugh Assessment Test were enrolled. A correlation network analysis was used to examine the associations between the demographic features and cough severity/characteristics across various etiologies such as upper airway cough syndrome, asthma, eosinophilic bronchitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and idiopathic cough. Demographic features like age and sex showed complex associations with cough characteristics and severity. Cough severity decreased with age, especially in cases of eosinophilic bronchitis and GERD. Women with eosinophilic bronchitis reported more severe cough, while men with idiopathic cough reported more severe cough. Asthma was significantly linked to more sleep disturbance and fatigue, independent of age and sex, whereas GERD showed less sleep disturbance and fatigue. Network analysis revealed overall close associations between cough characteristics, though hypersensitivity in asthma and sleep disturbance in GERD were not linked with other cough traits. In conclusion, the demographic features and cough characteristics were interrelated, exhibiting distinct patterns based on the etiology.

Auditory-Perceptual Assessments of Cough: Characterizing Rater Reliability and the Effects of a Standardized Training Protocol

INTRODUCTION

Auditory-perceptual assessments of cough are commonly used by speech-language pathologists working with people with swallowing disorders with emerging evidence beginning to demonstrate their validity; however, their reliability among novice clinicians is unknown. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to characterize the reliability of auditory-perceptual assessments of cough among a group of novice clinicians. As a secondary aim, we assessed the effects of a standardized training protocol on the reliability of auditory-perceptual assessments of cough.

METHODS

Twelve novice clinicians blindly rated ten auditory-perceptual cough descriptors for 120 cough audio clips. Standardized training was then completed by the group of clinicians. The same cough audio clips were then re-randomized and blindly rated. Reliability was analyzed pre- and post-training within each clinician (intra-rater), between each unique pair of raters (dyad-level inter-rater), and for the entire group of raters (group-level inter-rater) using intraclass correlation coefficients and Cohen's Kappa.

RESULTS

Pre-training reliability was greatest for measures of strength, effectiveness, and normality and lowest when judging the type of expiratory maneuver (cough, throat clear, huff, other). The measures that improved the most with training were ratings of perceived crispness, amount of voicing, and type of expiratory maneuver. Intra-rater reliability coefficients ranged from 0.580 to 0.903 pre-training and 0.756-0.904 post-training. Dyad-level inter-rater reliability coefficients ranged from 0.295 to 0.745 pre-training and 0.450-0.804 post-training. Group-level inter-rater reliability coefficients ranged from 0.454 to 0.919 pre-training and 0.558-0.948 post-training.

CONCLUSION

Reliability of auditory-perceptual assessments varied across perceptual cough descriptors, but all appeared within the range of what has been historically reported for auditory-perceptual assessments of voice and visual-perceptual assessments of swallowing and cough airflow. Reliability improved for most cough descriptors following 30-60 min of standardized training. Future research is needed to examine the validity of auditory-perceptual assessments of cough by assessing the relationship between perceptual cough descriptors and instrumental measures of cough effectiveness to better understand the role of perceptual assessments in clinical practice.

A systematic review of behavioural therapies for improving swallow and cough function in Parkinson's disease

Purpose: This systematic review evaluated the efficacy of therapeutic interventions on improving swallow, respiratory, and cough functions in Parkinson's disease (PD).Method: A PRISMA systematic search was implemented across six databases. We selected studies reporting pre- and post-assessment data on the efficacy of behavioural therapies with a swallow or respiratory/cough outcome, and excluded studies on medical/surgical treatments or single-session design. Cross-system outcomes across swallow, respiratory, and cough functions were explored. Cochrane's risk of bias tools were utilised to evaluate study quality.Result: Thirty-six articles were identified and further clustered into four treatment types: swallow related (n = 5), electromagnetic stimulation (n = 4), respiratory loading (n = 20), and voice loading (n = 7) therapies. The effects of some behavioural therapies were supported with high-quality evidence in improving specific swallow efficiency, respiratory pressure/volume, and cough measures. Only eleven studies were rated with a low risk of bias and the remaining studies failed to adequately describe blinding of assessors, missing data, treatment adherence, and imbalance assignment to groups.Conclusion: Behavioural therapies were diverse in nature and many treatments demonstrated broad cross-system outcome benefits across swallow, respiratory, and cough functions. Given the progressive nature of the condition, the focus of future trials should be evaluating follow-up therapy effects and larger patient populations, including those with more severe disease.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of respiratory dysfunction in Parkinson's disease

INTRODUCTION

Respiratory dysfunction in Parkinson's disease (PD) is common and associated with increased hospital admission and mortality rates. Central and peripheral mechanisms have been proposed in PD. To date no systematic review identifies the extent and type of respiratory impairments in PD compared with healthy controls.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Pedro, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and OpenGrey were searched from inception to December 2021 to identify case-control studies reporting respiratory measures in PD and matched controls.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine studies met inclusion criteria, the majority with low risk of bias across Risk of Bias Assessment tool for Non-randomized Studies (RoBANS) domains. Data permitted pooled analysis for 26 distinct respiratory measures. High-to-moderate certainty evidence of impairment in PD was identified for vital capacity (standardised mean difference [SMD] 0.75; 95% CI 0.45-1.05; p < 0.00001; I2  = 10%), total chest wall volume (SMD 0.38; 95% CI 0.09-0.68; p = 0.01; I2  = 0%), maximum inspiratory pressure (SMD 0.91; 95% CI 0.64-1.19; p < 0.00001; I2  = 43%) and sniff nasal inspiratory pressure (SMD 0.58; 95% CI 0.30-0.87; p < 0.00001; I2  = 0%). Sensitivity analysis provided high-moderate certainty evidence of impairment for forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s during medication ON phases and increased respiratory rate during OFF phases. Lower certainty evidence identified impairments in PD for maximum expiratory pressure, tidal volume, maximum voluntary ventilation and peak cough flow.

CONCLUSIONS

Strong evidence supports a restrictive pattern with inspiratory muscle weakness in PD compared with healthy controls. Limited data for central impairment were identified with inconclusive findings.

Characterization of Ethyl Butyrate-Induced Cough Before and After Breath Control Techniques in Healthy Adults

PURPOSE

Methods for cough elicitation frequently involve aerosolized tussive agents. Here, we sought to determine whether healthy individuals demonstrate a quantifiable cough response after inhaling a volatile ester and if breath control techniques modify this chemically induced cough response.

METHOD

Sixty adult male and female participants inhaled prepared liquid dilutions of ethyl butyrate dissolved in paraffin oil at 20%, 40%, and 60% v/v concentrations in triplicate, with presentation order randomized. We delivered stimuli through a face mask connected to an olfactometer and respiratory pneumotachograph. Participants rated sensations of their urge to cough and pleasantness of the odor while cough airflow was measured. Following baseline testing, participants were randomized to implement pursed-lip breathing or slow-paced breathing after inhaling ethyl butyrate to determine the effects of breath control on cough measures.

RESULTS

Inhaled ethyl butyrate elicited cough in 70% of participants. Higher concentrations of ethyl butyrate resulted in significantly greater sensation of the urge to cough, F(2, 80) = 10.72, p < .001, and significantly more generated coughs, F(2, 63) = 13.14, p < .001. Compared to baseline, participants rated significantly decreased urge to cough during breath control techniques, F(1, 40) = 11.01, p = .0019. No significant changes were observed in the number of generated coughs between baseline and breath control techniques, F(1, 31) = 7.23, p = .01.

CONCLUSIONS

Airborne ethyl butyrate is a tussigenic agent in humans. Our findings provide opportunities for future research directions in normal and disordered cough responses to volatile compounds.

Rehabilitating Cough Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Disorders of airway protection (cough and swallowing) are pervasive in Parkinson's disease (PD) resulting in a high incidence of aspiration pneumonia and death. However, there are no randomized controlled trials comparing strength and skill-based approaches to improve airway protection in PD.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) and sensorimotor training for airway protection (smTAP) to improve cough-related outcomes in people with PD.

METHODS

Participants with PD and dysphagia were recruited for this prospective phase II randomized-blinded controlled clinical trial. Participants completed baseline assessment, 5 weeks of EMST or smTAP, and a post-training assessment. Primary outcome measures included maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) and voluntary cough peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). Mixed effects models were used to assess the effects of EMST and smTAP on outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 65 participants received either EMST (n = 34) or smTAP (n = 31). MEP improved from pre- to post-treatment for smTAP (P < 0.001, d = 0.19) and EMST (P < 0.001, d = 0.53). Voluntary PEFR increased from pre- to post-treatment for smTAP (P < 0.001, d = 0.19) and EMST (P < 0.001, d = 0.06). Moreover, reflex cough PEFR (P < 0.001, d = 0.64), reflex cough expired volume (P < 0.001, d = 0.74), and urge to cough (P = 0.018, OR = 2.70) improved for the smTAP group but not for the EMST group.

CONCLUSIONS

This clinical trial confirmed the efficacy of smTAP to improve reflex and voluntary cough function, above and beyond EMST, the current gold standard. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Rehabilitation of Airway Protection in Individuals With Movement Disorders: A Telehealth Feasibility Study

PURPOSE

Airway protective deficits (swallowing and cough) greatly reduce health and quality of life and are a pervasive consequence of neurodegenerative movement disorders. Expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) and cough skill training (CST) are two treatment approaches to improve airway protection; however, many patients are unable to access these treatments. Telehealth may improve access to care, but it remains unknown whether these treatments are feasible and efficacious via telehealth. This study aimed to determine the practical feasibility and preliminary treatment effect of EMST and CST via telehealth.

METHOD

Twenty participants with movement disorders completed 4 weeks of EMST and 2 weeks of CST, including two clinician-directed treatment sessions via telehealth and 3 days of home practice per week. Feasibility was calculated for each treatment. Practical feasibility was defined as completing treatment (EMST or CST) and obtaining the relevant outcome measures-a proxy of maximum expiratory pressure (pMEP) for EMST and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) for CST-within a 30-min session/period. Session factors that may have influenced feasibility were examined. Preliminary treatment effect was defined as changes in pMEP and PEFR.

RESULTS

Time taken to obtain pMEP and complete EMST was 17.48 min, and time taken to obtain PEFR and complete CST was 17.69 min. pMEP, single voluntary cough PEFR, and sequential voluntary cough PEFR increased from pre- to posttreatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that the delivery of EMST and CST is feasible via telehealth and yield improvements to pMEP and PEFR. This has important implications for expanding service delivery of airway protective interventions and reducing health care disparities in people with neurodegenerative movement disorders.

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.21357669.

Physiology and pathophysiology of human airway mucus

The mucus clearance system is the dominant mechanical host defense system of the human lung. Mucus is cleared from the lung by cilia and airflow, including both two-phase gas-liquid pumping and cough-dependent mechanisms, and mucus transport rates are heavily dependent on mucus concentration. Importantly, mucus transport rates are accurately predicted by the gel-on-brush model of the mucociliary apparatus from the relative osmotic moduli of the mucus and periciliary-glycocalyceal (PCL-G) layers. The fluid available to hydrate mucus is generated by transepithelial fluid transport. Feedback interactions between mucus concentrations and cilia beating, via purinergic signaling, coordinate Na+ absorptive vs Cl- secretory rates to maintain mucus hydration in health. In disease, mucus becomes hyperconcentrated (dehydrated). Multiple mechanisms derange the ion transport pathways that normally hydrate mucus in muco-obstructive lung diseases, e.g., cystic fibrosis (CF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), non-CF bronchiectasis (NCFB), and primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). A key step in muco-obstructive disease pathogenesis is the osmotic compression of the mucus layer onto the airway surface with the formation of adherent mucus plaques and plugs, particularly in distal airways. Mucus plaques create locally hypoxic conditions and produce airflow obstruction, inflammation, infection, and, ultimately, airway wall damage. Therapies to clear adherent mucus with hydrating and mucolytic agents are rational, and strategies to develop these agents are reviewed.

Effect of Capsaicin Atomization-Induced Cough on Sputum Excretion in Tracheotomized Patients After Hemorrhagic Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Timely and effective removal of respiratory secretions is of great significance for tracheotomized patients. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of capsaicin nebulization to stimulate cough to promote early clearance of respiratory secretions in tracheotomized patients after hemorrhagic stroke. Method This study implemented a randomized controlled design. Sixty-three patients who were tracheotomized following a hemorrhagic stroke completed this randomized controlled trial. In the control group, 33 cases were given a routine care after tracheotomy. In the intervention group, 30 cases were given a capsaicin solution nebulization in addition to the routine care. The daily sputum output and the number of sputum suctioning were observed. The differences in sputum viscosity, cough function, and Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (CPIS) were compared between the two groups before and after the intervention. Vital sign changes during capsaicin nebulization and suctioning were compared between the two groups in a pilot study. Results The daily sputum output of the capsaicin intervention group was significantly higher than that of the control group (p < .05). The number of sputum suctioning of capsaicin group was less than that of the control group after intervention (p < .05). The CPIS score of the capsaicin group was lower than that of the control group (p < .05) after a 1-week intervention. Patients' heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation during capsaicin nebulization were not statistically different from those during routine sputum suctioning (p > .05). Conclusions Capsaicin atomization-induced cough can effectively promote sputum excretion of hemorrhagic stroke patients undergoing tracheotomy and has a good safety profile. The Clinical Trial registration number of this study is ChiCTR2000037772 (http://www.chictr.org.cns). Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.16821352.

Sensorimotor Cough Dysfunction Is Prevalent and Pervasive in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

BACKGROUND

Pneumonia, a leading cause of death in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), results from progressive and pervasive deficits of airway protection, including both cough and swallowing dysfunction. Cough protects the airway by expelling aspirate and may be an important therapeutic target to protect against pneumonia in the presence of dysphagia. However, cough has not been objectively characterized in PSP or compared to other common forms of parkinsonism, such as Parkinson's disease (PD).

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine voluntary and reflex cough function in PSP, as compared to patients with PD matched for disease duration.

METHODS

Twenty-six patients with PSP and 26 with PD completed voluntary and reflex cough testing via spirometry. Linear mixed effects models examined comparisons between groups and within cough types across cough sensory and motor outcomes.

RESULTS

Patients with PSP demonstrated significantly reduced cough motor function compared to PD, specifically reduced peak expiratory flow rate (P < 0.001), cough expiratory volume (P < 0.001), and cough inspiratory volume (P = 0.008). Both groups showed similar reflex cough thresholds (P = 0.694), but PSP demonstrated an increased perception of cough stimuli (P = 0.041).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that sensorimotor cough dysfunction is prevalent in PSP, and cough motor deficits, in particular, are worse in PSP than in PD. These deficits likely contribute to the pathogenesis of pneumonia in PSP. Therefore, cough should be integrated into assessments of airway protection and considered as a therapeutic target to potentially reduce adverse health events and improve quality of life in this population. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Immediate Effects of Sensorimotor Training in Airway Protection (smTAP) on Cough Outcomes in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy: A Feasibility Study

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by a high prevalence of dysphagia, cough dysfunction, and resultant aspiration pneumonia. Sensorimotor cough function is important for airway clearance in people with dysphagia. Upregulation of cough has been demonstrated in healthy adults and Parkinson's disease; however, the feasibility of cough rehabilitation in PSP is unknown. We sought to assess feasibility by examining the immediate effects of a novel sensorimotor training in airway protection (smTAP) on upregulation of cough function in PSP. Fifteen individuals with PSP enrolled in this study. Baseline voluntary and reflex cough testing were completed. During smTAP, participants were presented with subthreshold capsaicin and instructed to cough with sufficient intensity to hit a target line (set 25% above baseline reflex peak cough flow) via cough airflow visual biofeedback. Twenty-five repetitions were targeted within a single session. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests compared cough airflow measures between baseline voluntary cough testing, the initial five trials of smTAP, and final five trials. Mean peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) significantly increased from initial to final smTAP trials (p < 0.001). Fourteen participants increased PEFR, with gains of more than 10% in 11 participants. Variability of PEFR (p = 0.01) and cough expired volume (p = 0.01) significantly decreased across smTAP trials. This study is the first to demonstrate the ability of people with PSP to immediately upregulate cough function, providing preliminary support for the feasibility of cough rehabilitation in this population with this novel treatment approach. Future research examining the effects of multiple sessions of smTAP on cough outcomes is warranted.

Differences in voluntary and reflexive cough strength in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and healthy adults

INTRODUCTION

Dystussia impacts the ability to protect the airway. Voluntary cough provides a metric of airway defense but differs from the reflexive response to aspiration during swallowing. Therefore, we evaluated relationships between voluntary and reflexive cough among individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and a healthy cohort.

METHODS

Twenty-eight individuals with ALS and 26 healthy individuals completed voluntary and reflexive cough testing. Descriptive statistics, reliability, and paired t tests were conducted to evaluate differences in cough volume acceleration (CVA) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) in voluntary vs reflexive cough.

RESULTS

Compared with reflexive cough, voluntary CVA and PEFR were greater in individuals with ALS [t(27) = 4.83, P < .001 and t(27) = 8.69, P < .001] and the healthy cohort [t(21) = 5.91, P < .001 and t(21) = 12.26, P < .001], respectively.

DISCUSSION

These findings hold important implications for the use and interpretation of voluntary peak cough flow during clinical swallowing evaluations.

Respiratory-Swallow Coordination Training and Voluntary Cough Skill Training: A Single-Subject Treatment Study in a Person With Parkinson's Disease

Purpose Airway protective disorders are common in Parkinson's disease (PD), yet effective methods to rehabilitate these life-threatening impairments are limited. This study examined the effects of two skill-based treatments aimed at improving swallowing and cough in a severely dysphagic person with PD: respiratory-swallow coordination training (RSCT) and voluntary cough skill training (VCST). It was hypothesized that (a) RSCT would improve respiratory-swallow coordination and swallowing safety and efficiency and (b) VCST would improve reflex and voluntary cough effectiveness. Method An 81-year-old man with midstage PD and severe dysphagia was recruited for study participation. The study utilized a multiple-baseline ABACA experimental design with a 2-month delayed retention assessment. Measures of respiratory-swallow coordination, swallowing safety and efficiency, and cough effectiveness were collected at each assessment using respiratory inductive plethysmography, flexible endoscopic evaluations of swallowing, and spirometry. Data were analyzed descriptively using baseline corrected tau and standard mean difference effect sizes (d). Results Large effect sizes were observed immediately following RSCT for respiratory-swallow coordination (d = 9.17), penetration-aspiration (d = 12.88), vallecular residue (d = 1.75), piriform residue (d = 4.15), and overall dysphagia severity (d = 1.83). Large effect sizes were also observed immediately following VCST for single voluntary cough (d = 4.30), sequential voluntary cough (d = 3.28), and reflex cough (d = 5.58). Improvements were maintained 2 months later for all outcome measures except single voluntary cough. Discussion This is the first study to examine the effects of RSCT and VCST in a person with PD. Robust improvements in respiratory-swallow coordination and swallowing safety and efficiency were achieved following four sessions of RSCT, and significant improvements in reflex and voluntary cough strength were seen following four sessions of VCST. Future work is needed to study these treatments in larger cohorts of people with PD.

Dual Tasking Influences Cough Sensorimotor Outcomes in Healthy Young Adults

Purpose Reflex cough is an essential airway protective mechanism that often occurs in the context of divided attention. The effect of divided attention on measures of reflexive cough airflow and sensitivity remains unknown. We present findings from a study testing the effects of divided attention (via a dual-task paradigm) on measures of reflex cough in healthy young adults. Method Volunteers (N = 20, age = 20-40 years) underwent 4 blocks of capsaicin-induced cough challenges. Within each block, capsaicin ranging from 0 to 200 μM was presented in a randomized order. Two blocks consisted of cough testing only (single task). During the other 2 blocks, participants counted tones while simultaneously undergoing cough testing (dual task). Measures of cough motor response, self-reported urge-to-cough, cough frequency, and cough airflow were collected. Results Participants coughed more in the single-task condition compared to the dual-task condition (p ≤ .001). Participants' urge-to-cough ratings were lower in the dual-task condition (x̅ = 2, "slight") compared to the single-task condition (x̅ = 3, "moderate"; p = .007). Participants' cough reflex sensitivity thresholds were significantly increased in the dual-task condition (p = .002). Cough peak expiratory flow rates did not change between the 2 conditions (p = .34). Conclusions Somatosensation of tussive stimuli changes during dual tasking. Abnormal cortical resource allocation may be a mechanism involved in silent aspiration.

Roles of citric acid in conjunction with saline nebulization in experimental tracheostomy in guinea pigs

PURPOSE

Tracheostomy usually accompanied by the impairment of cough reflex, which may affect the clearance of secretions and result in the occurrence and development of pulmonary inflammation. Previous research has demonstrated that citric acid could effectively evoke cough. However, there are limited data available on this topic specific to the cough stimulation method, and the roles of citric acid in tracheostomy still remain obscure. The aims of present study were to identify the potential roles of citric acid in conjunction with saline nebulization in tracheostomy in guinea pigs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Experimental tracheostomy model was induced in guinea pigs, and different nebulization interventions were implemented. The expression of P-selectin and platelet count were analyzed by flow cytometer and automatic globulimeter, the histological changes in trachea and lung tissue were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, and the inflammatory cytokines and substance P (SP) levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Tracheostomy resulted in the disorder of trachea mucosa and cilia, the inflammatory cell infiltration in lung tissue, the increase of IL-6, TNF-α levels and the decrease of SP level. Citric acid alone increase the SP level, and the joint action of citric acid and saline nebulization further showed significantly beneficial effects on pathological, inflammatory changes and SP level.

CONCLUSIONS

Citric acid combined with saline nebulization contributes to the alleviation of tracheotomy-induced tracheal damage and pulmonary inflammation in an experimental tracheostomy model in guinea pigs. This may provide novel insights into the inflammation management and cough recovery after tracheostomy.

Swallowing in Parkinson's disease: clinical issues and management

Changes to swallowing affect most people with Parkinson's disease (PD). Changes may not initially exercise a decisive impact, but can later pose significant threats to nutritional, hydration and respiratory health and psychosocial quality of life. This review, from a largely clinical viewpoint, outlines the nature of changes in PD and considers the issue of how many people are affected and in what ways. It outlines main approaches to assessment and management, with an emphasis on aspects relevant to PD. Dysphagia contributes to drooling in PD. The review therefore also touches on the nature and management of this condition that has its own set of health and psychosocial quality-of-life issues.