ERJ
HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH
QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced]


     

Published online before print February 2, 2006
Eur Respir J 2006, doi:10.1183/09031936.06.00083605
This Article
Right arrow Full Text (Rapid PDF)
Right arrow All Versions of this Article:
27/6/1204    most recent
09031936.06.00083605v1
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Permissions
Right arrowRequest Permissions
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by McCarren, B.
Right arrow Articles by Alison, J.A.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by McCarren, B.
Right arrow Articles by Alison, J.A.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Physiological effects of vibration in subjects with cystic fibrosis

B. McCarren 1* J.A. Alison 1

1 School of Physiotherapy, The University of Sydney

* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: B.McCarren{at}fhs.usyd.edu.au.


  Abstract

The physiological mechanisms by which vibration and other physiotherapy interventions may clear secretions in subjects with cystic fibrosis are unknown. The main aim of the study was to compare the expiratory flow rates and frequencies of airflow oscillation of vibration to those of Acapella ®, Flutter ®, positive expiratory pressure (PEP) and percussion.

The respiratory flow rates were measured during the interventions, the order of which was randomised. The oscillation of the airflow of the interventions was determined by frequency spectral analysis.

In 18 young adult subjects with cystic fibrosis, the mean peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) of vibration was greater than Flutter (p=0.002), percussion (p<0.001), Acapella (p<0.001) and PEP (p<0.001). The mean (SD) of the oscillation of the airflow of vibration, 8.4 (0.4) Hz, was lower than Acapella, (13.5 (1.7) Hz; p<0.001) and Flutter (11.3 (1.5) Hz; p<0.001) but similar to percussion 7.3 (0.3) Hz.

Theoretically, the higher PEFR of vibration compared to the other physiotherapy interventions may promote secretion clearance. In addition, the frequency of oscillation of vibration was within the range demonstrated to increase mucus transport [1]. This study has provided some evidence for the physiological rationale for the use of vibration to aid secretion clearance.

Keywords:  Airway clearance interventions, peak expiratory flow rate, physiotherapy




This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
 ThoraxHome page
J Bott, S Blumenthal, M Buxton, S Ellum, C Falconer, R Garrod, A Harvey, T Hughes, M Lincoln, C Mikelsons, et al.
Guidelines for the physiotherapy management of the adult, medical, spontaneously breathing patient
Thorax, May 1, 2009; 64(Suppl_1): i1 - i52.
[Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Clin RehabilHome page
W. D. Reid, E. L. Geddes, K. O'Brien, D. Brooks, and J. Crowe
Effects of inspiratory muscle training in cystic fibrosis: a systematic review
Clinical Rehabilitation, October 1, 2008; 22(10-11): 1003 - 1013.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 Chronic Respiratory DiseaseHome page
S.A. Prasad
Airway clearance techniques: which one?
Chronic Respiratory Disease, May 1, 2007; 4(2): 65 - 66.
[PDF]

Home page
 Eur Respir JHome page
A. H. Kendrick
Airway clearance techniques in cystic fibrosis.
Eur. Respir. J., June 1, 2006; 27(6): 1082 - 1083.
[Full Text] [PDF]


HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH
Copyright © 2006 by the European Respiratory Society.