Handgrip strength to predict extubation outcome: A prospective multicenter trial

This prospective, multicenter trial examined whether muscle weakness, measured using handgrip strength, was associated with extubation outcomes in 6 adult patients who underwent mechanical ventilation for ≥48 hours in the ICU. As part of the study, cough strength was evaluated by measuring peak cough expiratory flow; this was done by linking the proximal tip of the endotracheal tube to a Vitalograph Asma-1 respiratory monitor, with the patient asked to take a deep inspiration through the device and then cough as strongly as possible.