Peak Cough Flow in Patients with Subacute Myelo-optic Neuropathy / The Japanese Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine

ABSTRACT

Purpose: This study aims to measure the peak cough flow (PCF) in patients with subacute myelo-optic neuropathy (SMON) and study its relation with muscle strength, functional ability and vocal cord function. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study in 7 patients with SMON (2 men and 5 women, mean age (SD) 81.6 (7.2) years) and in 7 age- and gender-matched patients with orthopedic problems as a control group. Their PCF, ability to walk, the Barthel Index, grip strength and maximum phonation time were assessed. Results: Mean PCF was 218.6± 66.2 L/min (110-300) for the SMON group and 267.1±76.3 L/min (170-360) for the control group (ns). The PCF was correlated with the maximum phonation time (<i>r</i> = 0.91 ; <i>p</i><0.01), but not with grip strength, the Barthel Index or the ability to walk scale. Conclusion: The PCF in patients with SMON tended to be lower compared to the control group. Therefore, evaluating PCF is suggested to be necessary to assess the risk of pneumonia.