Study design (if review, criteria of inclusion for studies)
controlled randomized cross-over trial
Participants
Thirty-four CF patients (26 +/- 6.5 years) were included in the study.
Interventions
high-frequency chest compression and positive expiratory pressure mask
Outcome measures
Before and 30 minutes after each treatment were recorded: pulmonary function testing, oxygen saturation, and perceived dyspnea. Preference for the two devices was assessed.
Main results
No statistically significant difference between high-frequency chest compression and positive expiratory pressure mask was found in sputum production and in lung function testing. A reduction in SpO(2) was found after positive expiratory pressure mask (98 +/- 1.0% versus 97 +/- 1.2%; P < 0.001). Both treatments induced a statistically significant increase in Borg scale for dyspnea without differences between them. Patients reported greater satisfaction with positive expiratory pressure mask than with high-frequency chest compression (P < 0.001).
Authors' conclusions
High-frequency chest compression and positive expiratory pressure mask have comparable short-term effects on expectorated sputum and lung function. Although positive expiratory pressure mask was associated with a lower SpO(2), it was better tolerated than high-frequency chest compression.