A Comparison of Flutter Device and Active Cycle of Breathing Techniques in Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients

Background

Aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of short term treatment of Flutter and Active Cycle of Breathing Technique (ACBT) in patients with acute exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Materials and methods

Forty five male COPD patients with acute exacerbation were randomly assigned into 3 groups, were trained for treatment and the treatment was performed. The study was conducted at St. Stephen's Hospital, Tis Hazari, New Delhi, India. Following dependent variables were measured before and after treatment twice daily till they get discharged: Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR), Arterial Oxygen Saturation (SpO2), Respiratory Rate (RR) and Hospital stay.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between groups. Within group treatment analysis showed that both the treatments were equally effective in improving oxygenation and peak expiratory flow rate.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that Flutter is as effective as the ACBT in improving oxygen saturation without causing any undesirable effects on respiratory rate in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD. These techniques can be used in COPD exacerbation according to patient and physiotherapist preferences.