American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation
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Am J Phys Med Rehabil · May 2000
Maximum insufflation capacity: vital capacity and cough flows in neuromuscular disease.
To investigate the relationships between vital capacity (VC), maximum insufflation capacity (MIC), and both unassisted and assisted peak cough flows (PCFs). ⋯ The greater the MIC VC difference, the greater the PCF, and, thereby, the ability to expel airway mucus and avert respiratory complications. The lower the VC, the greater the percent increase in MIC and the greater the percent increase in assisted PCF. Maximal insufflations are extremely important to increase PCF for patients with neuromuscular conditions who have VCs of < 1500 ml.