Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 100

Evaluating a device to improve breathing in ALS patients

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

Run by University Hospital, Toulouse · NCT05819931 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a breathing device to see if it can help people with ALS improve their cough and breathing over four weeks.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
Enrollment36 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Toulouse
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Toulouse, Occitanie)
StatusRecruiting
StartedAugust 29, 2023
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2026
Study endsDecember 31, 2026
Registry record updatedMay 12, 2026
Trial IDNCT05819931 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are ALS patients with a peak expiratory flow between 160 and 255 L/min who have not received mechanical insufflator-exsufflator treatment in the past year.

Probably not a fit

Patients with psychiatric or cognitive disorders, contraindications to using the device, or insufficient French language skills may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the impact of a mechanical insufflator-exsufflator on the respiratory function of patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). It focuses on measuring peak expiratory flow on cough (PEFC) to determine the effectiveness of the treatment over a four-week period. Patients will undergo three weekly sessions for two weeks, followed by daily sessions for an additional two weeks, all while receiving physiotherapy support. The study aims to provide insights into how this intervention can enhance respiratory function in ALS patients with ineffective cough.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve respiratory function and quality of life for ALS patients.

How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using mechanical insufflator-exsufflator devices is established, this specific evaluation in ALS patients is novel and may provide new insights.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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

Where it's running

  • SLA Center - Purpan University Hospital Toulouse, FRANCE
    Toulouse, Occitanie, France
    Recruiting

Study contacts

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.