Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive myopathy associated with progressive muscle weakness and wasting, loss of ambulation, respiratory insufficiency, weak cough, repeated respiratory infections, and ultimately death from respiratory failure in early adulthood. Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) devices, such as the CoughAssist®, are used in individuals with neurom...

THE incidenee of postoperative respiratory insufficiency following major tho-racie or abdominal surgery is significant.' 3 We have previously emphasized the difficulties involved in the early recognition of respiratory insufficiency,4 5 and have pointed out that even a minimal degree will fre-(luently produce a lowered arterial oxygen tension, with an associated serious arrhyth-mia and a decrea...