Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a rare neurodegenerative pathology without curative treatment at present, the outcome is fatal after 3 to 5 years of evolution on average. The disease results in progressive paralysis of the muscles involved in voluntary motricity (progressive and intricate impairment of locomotor, phonation and swallowing capacities as well as ventilatory function). In France, the management of ALS is based on a diversified multidisciplinary follow-up (physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, neuropsychology) in the ALS Reference Center in conjunction with the city care networks. It is centered on the evaluation, and the early compensation of the various symptoms, especially the respiratory problems.~Thus, this study aims to evaluate the effect of mechanical insufflator-exsufflator on the respiratory functions of these patients, evaluated via cough peak expiratory flow measurements (CPEF).~The study is conducted in collaboration with the physiotherapists of each patient enrolled, to evaluate the respiratory function by peak expiratory flow on cough (PEFC) after 4 weeks of treatment with Mechanical In-Exsufflator (MIE) (3 weekly sessions for two weeks, then one daily session for 2 weeks) in ALS patients presenting with a poorly effective cough (PEFC between 160 and 255 L/min) and having an indication of punctual MIE.
The study aims to evaluate the effect of mechanical insufflator-exsufflator on the respiratory functions of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients evaluated via peak expiratory flow on cough (PEFC) measurements. The evolution of their PEFC is monitored to see if the curative management can have a positive impact on the latter.