Electric belly zaps may help spinal cord injury patients cough better
NCT ID NCT07626931
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a device that electrically stimulates the abdominal muscles can improve cough strength in 150 adults with a recent spinal cord injury. Participants will use the device during breathing exercises for up to 6 weeks. The goal is to see if it helps clear mucus and reduces lung infections like pneumonia.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Respiratory Muscle Stimulator (device)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could provide a non-drug way to strengthen cough and reduce pneumonia risk in people with spinal cord injury.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-stage trial with 150 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The device may not improve cough enough to prevent complications.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
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