The Effectiveness of the Jamboxx Respiratory Therapy Device in Treatment of Patients With Decreased Respiratory Function. Study 1: Spinal Cord Injury Patients for Long Term Evaluation

Study 1 addresses the concerns of pneumonia risks in quadriplegics with compromised respiratory pump mechanics. In cases of spinal cord injury or high-level motor neuron disease, complications with respiratory function are a common concern. Lack of innervation to the intercostal and abdominal muscles can cause a decline in respiratory capacity as well as overall lung function, with associated increased risk of mortality. Shallow tidal breathing and impaired or absent cough results in morbidity and mortality from pneumonia. Several studies have found failure of the respiratory system, including pneumonia, to be a leading cause of mortality among spinal cord injury patients. In order to maintain pulmonary health, many people with quadriplegia and other high-level motor neuron diseases undergo routine respiratory therapy to help stretch the muscles around the lungs, exercise the diaphragm, and loosen mucus build-up. Incentive spirometry is one commonly used component of respiratory therapy designed to mimic natural sighing or yawning by encouraging the patient to take long, slow, deep breaths. This is done with an incentive spirometer device, which provides patients with visual or other positive feedback with a piston or a ball that moves inside a gauge. Respiratory therapy techniques are also used to help maintain pulmonary health in individuals with a number of chronic or temporary respiratory diseases and conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and emphysema. These techniques often become strenuous and mundane for users with limited mobility, and thus patient compliance rates are low. Gaming controlled by forceful respiratory maneuvers will be studied to ascertain if respiratory mechanics can be improved in this group.

Testing Plan: Study participants will be randomized into 2 groups through drawing of sealed envelopes. Group 1 (control group) will be given the standard Jamboxx musical device (see appendix a for device details), while Group 2 (treatment group) will be given the Jamboxx respiratory therapy device, which combines musical gameplay with incentive spirometry exercises. Participants from both groups will have two 20 minute training sessions with the device: one initial training visit and one follow up visit. Training sessions will take place either in the home, or at Albany Medical Center. During the initial visit a simple spirometry test (FEV1, FVC and PEF) and maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP and MEP) will be performed. These functions will be measured again at 3, 6, 9 & 12 months by a respiratory therapist (RT). The Dyspnea-12 (D-12) questionnaire will be conducted at by the RT at months 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12. Self-Reported Patient Dyspnea and the Multidimensional Dyspnea Profile (MDP) will be reported electronically by study participants on a weekly basis. Medical records will be evaluated for relevant health history, medication use, and hospitalizations including dates. Access to medical records will be obtained by a signed medical release form.