Abstract
RATIONALE: Airway clearance methods such as oscillating positive expiratory pressure (oPEP) are proposed to provide benefit in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchiectasis by mobilizing secretions and enhancing mucous movement.
METHODS: A six-week cross-over study was completed in 29 subjects (n=15 COPD, n=14 bronchiectasis) who provided written informed consent and were randomized to oPEP therapy (Aerobika®, Trudell Medical International) four-times daily. Pulmonary function tests, the Six Minute Walk distance (6MWD), St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and the Patient Evaluation Questionnaire (PEQ) were used to evaluate therapy effects.
RESULTS: There were no adverse events related to oPEP use. There were statistically significant improvements in 6MWD (p=0.01), SGRQ total score (p=0.01), and the PEQ Cough Frequency (p=0.006), dyspnea (p=0.03) and ease in bringing up sputum (p<0.0001).
CONCLUSIONS: In subjects with COPD and bronchiectasis, three weeks of oPEP therapy (Aerobika®) was well-tolerated and there was improved dyspnea, quality of life, exercise capacity and ease in bringing up sputum.
Table 1. Efficacy Results
- © 2014 ERS
