Evaluation of the Effect of Respiratory Physiotherapy by Mechanical In-exsufflator on Respiratory Function in Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Pilot Study

Study Purpose:

The study aims to evaluate the effect of mechanical insufflator-exsufflator on the respiratory functions of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients evaluated via peak expiratory flow on cough (PEFC) measurements. The evolution of their PEFC is monitored to see if the curative management can have a positive impact on the latter.

Study Status:

Not yet recruiting

Disease:

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Study Type:

Interventional

Type of Intervention:

Device

Intervention Name:

Mechanical In-Exsufflator treatment

Placebo:

Phase:

N/A

Study Chair(s)/Principal Investigator(s):

Thierry Lagarde, University Hospital, Toulouse

Clinicaltrials.gov ID:

NCT05819931

Neals Affiliated?

No

Coordinating Center Contact Information

Thierry LAGARDE, PT / email hidden; JavaScript is required / +33561775570

Full Study Summary:

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a rare neurodegenerative pathology without curative treatment at present, the outcome is fatal after 3 to 5 years of evolution on average. The disease results in progressive paralysis of the muscles involved in voluntary motricity (progressive and intricate impairment of locomotor, phonation and swallowing capacities as well as ventilatory function). In France, the management of ALS is based on a diversified multidisciplinary follow-up (physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, neuropsychology) in the ALS Reference Center in conjunction with the city care networks. It is centered on the evaluation, and the early compensation of the various symptoms, especially the respiratory problems.

Thus, this study aims to evaluate the effect of mechanical insufflator-exsufflator on the respiratory functions of these patients, evaluated via cough peak expiratory flow measurements (CPEF).

The study is conducted in collaboration with the physiotherapists of each patient enrolled, to evaluate the respiratory function by peak expiratory flow on cough (PEFC) after 4 weeks of treatment with Mechanical In-Exsufflator (MIE) (3 weekly sessions for two weeks, then one daily session for 2 weeks) in ALS patients presenting with a poorly effective cough (PEFC between 160 and 255 L/min) and having an indication of punctual MIE.

Study Sponsor:

University Hospital, Toulouse

Estimated Enrollment:

36

Estimated Study Start Date:

05 / 01 / 2023

Estimated Study Completion Date:

12 / 31 / 2026

Posting Last Modified Date:

04 / 19 / 2023

Date Study Added to neals.org:

04 / 19 / 2023

Minimum Age:

18 Years

Maximum Age:

100 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

- Confirmed ALS categorized as probable or certain according to the revised Awaji-Shima criteria [27].

- ALS of spinal, bulbar or respiratory forms

- Peak Flow measure between 160 and 255 L/min (recommendation of MIE in case of congestion, with the possibility of daily sessions)

- Patient who has not benefited from treatment by MIE in the past year (less than 10 sessions in total)

- Patient able to use the MIE and perform the collection, or having a caregiver able to help

- Patient receiving physiotherapist treatment greater than or equal to twice a week

Exclusion Criteria:

- Psychiatric (DSM-5) or cognitive disorders incompatible with participation in the study

- Contraindication to the use of an MIE (pneumothorax for example)

- Insufficient level in French for understanding the study and completing the questionnaires

- Current or past participation in another innovative research or care program relating to respiratory functions

- Emergency situation for which the MIE must be set up within less than a week

Exclusion during the study :

- Appearance of a serious contraindication to the practice of MIE during the study (for example rib fracture during a fall)

- Patient's physiotherapist refusing to do the study

SLA Center - Purpan University Hospital Toulouse, FRANCE

Toulouse, Occitanie 31000
France