ASSESSMENT OF PERCUSSION, VIBRATORY-SHAKING AND BREATHING EXERCISES IN CHEST PHYSIOTHERAPY

  • 1 January 1985
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 66  (2) , 147-152
Abstract
While gravity-assisted positions (postural drainage) and the forced expiratory technique are known to promote sputum clearance, the additional value of percussion, vibratory-shaking and breathing exercises individually in chest physiotherapy is uncertain. These modalities were evaluated in 8 patients with copious sputum production (mean: 44 g/day), using an inhaled radioaerosol technique. Tracheobronchial clearance was unaffected by the addition of either vibratory-shaking or percussion with and without breathing exercises to postural drainage. There was, however, a significant (P < 0.01) increase in the dry wt of sputum produced during each of these treatments. The combination of postural drainage used in conjunction with the forced expiration technique is responsible of the majority of mucus mobilization and should form the basis of routine chest physiotherapy programs; the other modes appear to be of lesser value.

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