High elevation training mask as a respiratory muscle strength training tool for dysphagia

Abstract

Background: Expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) is a treatment for swallowing dysfunction due to its activation of the suprahyoid muscles. Current EMST devices have numerous limitations.

Objective: The purpose was to evaluate the utility of elevation training mask as an alternative respiratory muscle strength training (RMST) device.

Methods: A closed system, simulating expiration was designed. Air was delivered through a pressure gauge with a measurement range of 0–15 psi. The EMST150TM and the Elevation Training Mask 2.0^® (ETM) maximal resistance levels were measured and compared.

Results: EMST150 produced increasing expiratory resistance pressures of 0.3, 0.6, 1.2, 1.9 and 2.1 psi, which correspond to its indicator of 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 cmH2O. The ETM resistance pressure produced expiratory resistance pressures of 0.1 and 0.2 psi at simulated altitudes of 3000 and 6000 feet, respectively. A stable expiratory resistance pressure of 0.25 psi was measured at simulated altitudes of 9000, 12,000, 15,000 and 18,000 feet.

Conclusion: ETM provides adjustable expiratory muscle strength resistance pressures. Further investigation is necessary to evaluate safety, compliance and clinical efficacy in patients with swallowing dysfunction.

Significance: ETM can serve as an effective treatment modality for pulmonary dysfunction and swallowing disorders through RMST

Chinese abstract

背景：呼气肌力训练（EMST）是一种治疗吞咽功能障碍的方法, 因为它能激活舌骨上肌。当前的EMST设备有若干限制。

目的：评价高原训练面罩作为替代呼吸肌力训练（RMST）器械的应用价值。

方法：设计了一个模拟呼气的封闭系统。空气通过测量范围为0–15 psi的压力计输送。测量并比较了呼气肌力训练器EMST150TM和高原训练面罩 2.0^®（ETM）的最大电阻水平。

结果：EMST150在模拟海拔3000英尺和6000英尺时, 其呼气阻力压力分别为0.3、0.6、1.2、1.9和2.1 psi, 与30、60、90、120和150 cmH2O的指标相对应；ETM阻力压力在模拟海拔3000英尺和6000英尺时, 其呼气阻力压力分别为0.1和0.2 psi。在9000英尺、12000英尺、15000英尺和18000英尺的模拟高度上测量到0.25 psi的稳定呼气阻力压力。

结论：ETM具有可调节的呼气肌力阻力压力。进一步的研究对于评估吞咽功能障碍患者的安全性、依从性和临床疗效是必要的。

意义：对于肺功能不全和吞咽障碍, ETM是一种有效的治疗方法。

Keywords:

• Expiratory muscle strength training
• respiratory muscle strength training
• altitude training mask
• RMST
• respiratory trainer
• swallowing dysfunction
• dysphagia
• rehabilitation
• EMST 150

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.