Testing Coaching Support to Improve Learning of Mechanical In-exsufflation MI-E in Children Aged 6 to 12 with and without Neuromuscular Diseases

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating whether adding a coaching module with playful visual stimulation to physiotherapist guidance can improve how children learn to use a mechanical insufflation-exsufflation MI-E device. This study focuses on children aged 6 to 12, first including healthy children without lung or chronic diseases, then including children with neuromuscular diseases. MI-E is a technique recommended for clearing airways, especially useful in respiratory infections and postoperative care, but its learning process can be inconsistent without proper support. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one receiving guidance from a physiotherapist plus the coaching module, and the other receiving guidance from a physiotherapist alone. Both groups will learn to use the MI-E device, and their learning times, cough flow rates, and synchronization with the device will be compared. The coaching module aims to make learning more effective and enjoyable. During the study, children will undergo learning sessions lasting up to 15 minutes, with evaluations of effectiveness at the sessions end and again 24 hours later. Researchers will measure peak cough flow, ease of use, comfort using visual scales, number of cough sets, and the time to achieve quality coughs. The study will monitor safety by excluding children with certain conditions like pneumothorax or hemoptysis. The total study duration includes these assessments to understand the learning process better.

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