Study design (if review, criteria of inclusion for studies)
randomised cross-over design
Participants
14 patients with cystic fibrosis
Interventions
Treatment A consisted of postural drainage, percussion and vibration; treatment B of postural drainage and periodic application of a face mask with positive expiratory pressure (PEP); treatment C of PEP in the sitting position; treatment D of the forced expiration technique in the sitting position.
Outcome measures
sputum expectorated. Skin oxygen tension, PSO2 was monitored continuously during and for 35 min after treatment. patient preference
Main results
In terms of sputum expectorated, treatments B and C were superior to treatment D and especially to treatment A (p less than 0.05). A substantial and prolonged decay in PSO2 was observed during treatment A, quite different from other patterns seen. During and even following treatment C, an increase in PSO2 was noted. PEP was well accepted by the patients, who preferred treatment C, and we suggest it is incorporated in chest physical therapy regimens if the therapeutic objective is to increase expectoration.
Keywords: Adolescent; Airway clearance technique; Drainage; Food; non pharmacological intervention - devices OR physiotherapy; non pharmacological intervention - diet; Postural Drainage; Vibration; Positive-Pressure Respiration- PEP- pep mask; forced expiration technique; percussion; Chest physiotherapy; oscillating devices; Active Cycle of Breathing Technique -ACBT-;