The goal of this research study is to evaluate the effects of a single session of rehabilitation in healthy adults, before noninvasive mechanical ventilation (MV). MV can help support breathing function during sleep or illness. High levels of MV support have been reported to alter the function of the diaphragm muscle, the primary breathing muscle, in people with compromised health. However, rehabilitation may have some potential to improve diaphragm function in advance of using MV. This study will test different rehabilitation interventions, including (1) inspiratory strength training (IST), (2) transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (TSCS), or sham TSCS. Before and after MV, participants will complete breathing strength tests and responses to phrenic nerve stimulation.
None
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Crossover
Spinal cord stimulation
DeviceTranscutaneous spinal cord stimulation at 2mA intensity, for 20 minutes.
Inspiratory Strength Training
Behavioral5 sets of 5 breaths of high-intensity inspiratory strength training
Sham Stimulation
Other interventionTranscutaneous spinal cord stimulation at reduced intensity, lasting 1 minute at the beginning and end of a 20-minute session.
Maximal inspiratory pressure
The most negative pressure generated during a maximal inspiratory effort.
Phrenic CMAP Response
EMG response to supra maximal and bilateral phrenic stimulation
Diaphragm thickness and excursion
Diaphragm thickness and excursion will be computed during resting breathing and during inspiratory efforts.
Two-minute step test (2M-ST)
Participants will step in place as quickly as possible for two minutes, lifting the thigh a vertical height midway between the anterior superior iliac spine and the center of the patella.
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