Respiratory Kinematics During Voluntary and Reflex Cough in Healthy Adults

Cough is a defensive behavior that involves three stages. A large inspiratory phase, a compression phase where the vocal folds close and subglottal pressure is developed, and an expiratory phase. Cough serves to protect the upper and lower airways from material such as liquids, solids, or saliva, that have been aspirated. There are two types of cough: voluntary and reflex cough. Voluntary cough involves a cough to command. Reflex cough is a cough that is generated secondary to a stimulus in or near the airway. There has been some research regarding the differences between voluntary and reflex cough. However, no research has described the differences in airflow or movement pattern (kinematics) between the two types of cough. This study seeks to determine the respiratory kinematics and airflow differences between voluntary and reflex cough in healthy participants.