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Posture, Interface, and Peak Cough Flow
Sponsor: Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc- Université Catholique de Louvain
Summary
Cough is a key airway protective mechanism requiring coordinated neuromuscular function. Peak cough flow (PCF) is a simple, non-invasive measure widely used to assess cough effectiveness and guide clinical decisions. Current ATS/ERS guidelines recommend measuring PCF in a seated position using a mouthpiece with a nose clip; however, this setup is not always feasible in clinical practice. Some patients cannot maintain posture or ensure an adequate mouthpiece seal, making a facial mask a potential alternative. The influence of body position and interface on PCF measurements remains unclear, with limited evidence from randomized crossover studies. This study aims to evaluate the effects of body position (sitting vs standing) and measurement interface (mouthpiece vs facial mask) on PCF in healthy young adults. In a randomized within-subject crossover design, participants perform PCF measurements under four conditions (Sit-Mask, Stand-Mask, Sit-Mouthpiece, Stand-Mouthpiece) during a single session. The findings will help inform more flexible and standardized PCF assessment procedures in clinical practice.
Official title: Body Posture and Interface Effects on Peak Cough Flow in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Crossover Study
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
20 Years - 30 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
24
Start Date
2024-05-01
Completion Date
2026-05-21
Last Updated
2026-06-08
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Facial mask (V2 Mask™, Hans Rudolph)
Peak cough flow measured in the seated position. The facial mask (V2 Mask™, Hans Rudolph, Inc., Kansas, USA; size fitted to participant) was connected to an ultrasonic spirometer (SpiroScout, Ganshorn) via a PFT filter. Participants performed three tidal breaths followed by a maximal cough, repeated three times.
Facial mask (V2 Mask™, Hans Rudolph)
Peak cough flow measured in the standing position. Same device and procedure as Sit-Mask condition.
Mouthpiece (Pulmosafe, Lemon Medical) with nose clip
Peak cough flow measured in the seated position. The mouthpiece (Pulmosafe, Lemon Medical GmbH, Hammelburg, Germany) was used with a nose clip and connected to an ultrasonic spirometer (SpiroScout, Ganshorn) via a PFT filter. Participants performed three tidal breaths followed by a maximal cough, repeated three times.
Mouthpiece (Pulmosafe, Lemon Medical) with nose clip
Peak cough flow measured in the standing position. Same device and procedure as Sit-Mouthpiece condition.
Locations (1)
Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc
Brussels, Belgium