Improving learning of a cough assistance technique in children

Does the Coaching Function Improve the Learning of Mechanical In-exsufflation (MI-E) in Paediatric Subjects?

Not applicable Interventional Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc- Université Catholique de Louvain · NCT06190431

This study is testing if a fun coaching program can help children, both healthy and those with neuromuscular diseases, learn a special cough technique better than just regular guidance from a physiotherapist.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages6 Years to 12 Years
SexAll
SponsorCliniques universitaires Saint-Luc- Université Catholique de Louvain Academic / other
Locations1 site (Brussels)
Trial IDNCT06190431 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate whether a coaching module using playful visual stimulation can enhance the learning and effectiveness of the mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) technique in children. The trial will be conducted in two phases: the first will involve healthy children aged 6 to 12, while the second will focus on children with neuromuscular diseases. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either physiotherapist guidance alone or guidance combined with the coaching module. The goal is to determine if the coaching module leads to better learning outcomes and compliance with the MI-E technique.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 6 to 12 who can understand French and have either no significant health issues or have a neuromuscular disease.

Not a fit: Patients with hemodynamic instability, recent pneumothorax, or hemoptysis may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve airway clearance techniques in pediatric patients, enhancing their respiratory health.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of MI-E is well-documented, the specific approach of using a coaching module in this context is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Part 1:

* Inclusion criteria

  * Age 6-12 (F/M)
  * Acceptance of consent (child + 2 parents)
  * Non-smoker
  * Speak and understand French
  * Schooling in mainstream education
* Exclusion criteria

  * Comorbidities: congenital heart disease, chronic lung disease, immune deficiency, neuromuscular disease, neurological disease or multiple disabilities
  * History or clinical signs of disease affecting lung function, recent lung infection, spinal or thoracic deformity.

Part 2:

* Inclusion criteria

  * Age 6-12 (F/M)
  * Acceptance of consent (child + 2 parents)
  * Non-smoker
  * Speak and understand French
  * Patient with a neuromuscular disease
  * Able to perform the MI-E maneuver
* Exclusion criteria

  * Hemodynamic instability
  * Current or recent pneumothorax
  * Hemoptysis

Where this trial is running

Brussels

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions CoughAirway Clearance ImpairmentNeuromuscular DiseasesMechanical In-ExsufflationCoachingCough AssistancePediatric
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.