Abstract
Background: The high-freguency chest-wall compression therapy (HFCCT) application on influences on muscle function. We propose that HFCCT may have an effect on lung function and quality of life in COPD patients.
Aim: To assess of HFCCT on airway obstruction, lung hyperinflation, severity of dyspnea and quality of life in COPD patients.
Methods: 34 COPD patients were randomized in 2 groups. Group 1 (60,4±8,6 yrs, 34,6±11,6 pack/yrs, FEV1 36,4±11,0 %pred., FEV1/FVC 40,0±10,0 %, MRC 4,0±0,2) received ICS, LABA, tiotropium bromide. Group 2 (66,2±7,0 yrs, 37,6±9,3 pack/yrs, FEV1 48,1±23,6 %pred., FEV1/FVC 45,2±17,4 %, MRC 3,9±0,1) - the same therapy + HFCCT (by The Vest Airway Clearance System). Lung function, QoL MOS SF-36, MRC - before and after 2 weeks were evaluated. Vest session parameters: frequency 8,5±1,3 Hz, compression 5,4±1,6 bar, time 16,7±3,6 min, 14 sessions.
Results: There was a significant improvement in the lung function (ΔFVC 5,0±2,1 %pred., p<0,01, ΔFEV1 8,7±4,9 %pred., p<0,01, ΔPEF 8,2±3,3 %pred., p<0,01, ΔTLC 9,0±4,4 %pred., p<0,05, ΔRV 20,0±3,0 %pred., p<0,01, ΔRV/TLC 5,2±0,2 %, p<0,05), QoL parameters (ΔPF 13,2±2,4 %, p<0,001, ΔRP 18,4±10,5 %, p<0,05, ΔCH 9,1±1,5 %, p<0.05, ΔBP 8,2±0,3 %, p<0,001, Δ RE 27,5±13,6 %, p<0,01) and dyspnea's severity (ΔMRC 1,2±0,1) in group 2. There were not significant improvements in group 1.
Conclusion: We suggest that the HFCCT use improves airway obstruction, decreases lung hyperinflation, severity of dyspnea and improves quality of life in COPD patients.
- © 2013 ERS