A system and method for restoring inspiratory muscle function to restore breathing and expiratory muscle function to restore an effective cough in the same individual, wherein the systems that selectively activate the inspiratory or expiratory muscle function are separately ground to limit or prevent the flow of electrical current to both the expiratory and inspiratory muscles at the same time and to avoid damaging either neuromuscular system. Also described is the method by which the inspiratory or expiratory muscles are activated selectively to optimize the action of the inspiratory muscles to restore breathing and to optimize the action of the expiratory muscles to restore cough.