Stimulation of abdominal and upper thoracic muscles with surface electrodes for respiration and cough: Acute studies in adult canines

This study explores the use of surface electrical stimulation to improve breathing and coughing in individuals with spinal cord injuries. The researchers focused on stimulating abdominal and upper thoracic muscles to achieve this goal. The study was conducted on anesthetized adult canines to identify the optimal methods for stimulating these muscles using surface electrodes. The researchers tested various electrode placements and stimulation parameters. The aim was to find a non-invasive way to help people with spinal cord injuries breathe and cough more effectively, which could reduce the risks associated with mechanical ventilation.

• 1
  Optimal abdominal muscle stimulation involved placing three sets of bilateral surface electrodes 4.5 cm dorsal to the lateral line, using 80 or 100 mA current, and a 50 Hz stimulation frequency.
• 2
  Optimal upper thorax stimulation included a single bilateral set of electrodes located over the 2nd interspace, 60 to 80 mA, and 50 Hz, limiting forelimb movement.
• 3
  Sequential stimulation of the upper thorax and abdominal muscles increased the volume to 600 ± 152 ml, and a glottal closure maneuver improved flow.