Study design (if review, criteria of inclusion for studies)
randomised cross-over trial with 24 hours between treatments
Participants
Fifteen subjects with cystic fibrosis and predominantly mild pulmonary impairment
Interventions
active cycle of breathing techniques (ACBT) assisted by a physiotherapist was compared with the ACBT performed independently by the patient.
Outcome measures
Measurement outcomes included pulmonary function tests, indirect calorimetry and oximetry parameters.
Main results
Energy expenditure was not significantly different between the two treatment regimens, though significant improvements in pulmonary function were apparent 24 hours following the therapist-assisted ACBT. In this group of subjects, neither form of treatment proved superior in terms of energy consumption, but a reduction in airways obstruction was observed as a carry-over effect following the therapist-assisted ACBT.