TY - JOUR T1 - Conventional physiotherapy and forced expiration manoeuvres have similar effects on tracheobronchial clearance JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J SP - 758 LP - 761 DO - 10.1183/09031936.93.01080758 VL - 1 IS - 8 AU - M van Hengstum AU - J Festen AU - C Beurskens AU - M Hankel AU - F Beekman AU - F Corstens Y1 - 1988/08/01 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/1/8/758.abstract N2 - This study compared the effect of two forms of chest physiotherapy. In the "conventional" form of physiotherapy, postural drainage was combined with percussion and directed coughing. The other, relatively new form of physiotherapy, was the forced expiration technique, i.e. huffing combined with postural drainage, breathing exercises and, if necessary, coughing. Eight patients (six with cystic fibrosis, two with agammaglobulinaemia) took part in the study. No difference was found in tracheobronchial clearance, regional lung clearance, sputum production or lung function between the two forms of treatment. The forced expiration technique can be performed without an assistant. Therefore, it is concluded that in general the forced expiration technique is preferable. ER -