A comparison of assisted cough techniques in stable patients with severe respiratory insufficiency due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Cough can be impaired in ALS. This can result in peak cough flows (PCFs) too low for an adequate airway clearance (<270 l/mn). There are several cough assistance techniques that aim at a better elimination of airway secretions, but which are effective, especially in bulbar patients, is not known.