Studies comparing physiotherapy techniques in stable bronchiectasis
| Study design (year) | Patients | Intervention | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crossover study (1999) (44) | 19 | 1 session ACBT with head-down tilt v. 1 session without | No difference in sputum weight, spirometry |
| Randomized crossover study (2002) (45) | 17 | 4 wk of ACBT v. 4 wk of Flutter* | No difference in sputum weight, dyspnea score, spirometry |
| Randomized prospective study (2007) (46) | 30 | Flutter* v. ACBT v. ACBT and postural drainage, all assessed over 1 wk | Greater sputum weight with ACBT and postural drainage |
| Randomized crossover study (2016) (47) | 31 | 3 nonconsecutive sessions over 7 d of autogenic drainage v. slow expiration with glottis open in lateral position v. temporary positive expiratory pressure | No difference in sputum expectoration during 24-h posttreatment period; cough severity score improved for all groups |
| Randomized trial (2013) (48) | 30 | Twice-daily sessions administered 5 d/wk for 15 d of traditional chest physiotherapy (various techniques) v. high-frequency chest wall oscillation (using the Vest Airway Clearance System) v. no physiotherapy | Both treatment groups were superior to no physiotherapy for dyspnea scores, lung function and sputum production; high-frequency chest wall oscillation |
Note: ACBT = active cycle of breathing technique.
↵* The Flutter is an oscillating positive expiratory pressure device. (44)– (46)