Vest vibrations may cut lung infections in ALS patients

NCT ID NCT07656714

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This pilot study tested whether adding a vibrating chest vest to a standard cough-assist machine could reduce lung infections and hospital stays in people with ALS who use breathing support. Fourteen patients were randomly assigned to use either the vest plus cough assist or the cough assist alone for three months. The goal was to see if the vest helps clear mucus better and lowers the need for antibiotics or hospital visits.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

High-frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) vest and mechanical cough assist device

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a way to reduce lung infections and hospital visits for people with ALS who use breathing support.

What could go wrong

This was a very small pilot study with only 14 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The devices are already available, so the main question is whether adding the vest is worth the extra effort.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis respiratory tract infectious disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena

    Seville, Andalusia, 41009, Spain