acapella versus lung flute in treatment of copd patients the study aims to identify the preference between the two devices according to treatment of copd patients regarding pulmonary function tests , exercise tolerence and quality of life questionnaire,

Conditions: Chronic Obstructive Airway Disease

Summary: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (copd) is a prevalent and progressive condition characterized by persistent airflow limitation and chronic respiratory symptoms. among the many approaches to managing copd, airway clearance techniques (acts) play a pivotal role in improving pulmonary function, reducing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life. so, this study aimed to investigate the comparative efficacy of two act devices-the acapella® and the lung flute®- on improving pulmonary function, exercise capacity, and quality of life in copd patients. the acapella® and the lung flute®. both devices utilize distinct mechanisms to facilitate mucus clearance and improve lung function. the acapella® combines positive expiratory pressure (pep) with oscillatory vibration, aiding in the loosening and mobilization of mucus . on the other hand, the lung flute® generates low-frequency sound waves through patient exhalation, stimulating mucus movement from the peripheral to central airways . while both devices have demonstrated efficacy in previous studies, there is limited comparative research evaluating their impact in copd patients.

a controlled randomized study having 70 individuals with copd was conducted. before the treatment began, all participants signed a permission after being informed about the study's specifics and their rights as patients. the ethics committee board of cairo university's faculty of physical therapy authorized this study (p.t.rec/012/002208). the research was done in accordance with the helsinki 0 male copd patients aged 40-60 years, recruited from kasr al ainy hospital, cairo university. participants were diagnosed with moderate to severe copd and were randomly assigned into two groups: group a received acapella® therapy alongside standard chest physiotherapy, and group b received lung flute® therapy with the same physiotherapy protocol. both groups underwent interventions every other day for eight weeks. outcomes were assessed using pulmonary function tests (pfts), the six-minute walk test (6mwt), and the vq11 quality-of-life questionnaire.

Eligibility criteria:
inclusion criteria: - moderate and mild severe copd patients were selected according gold guidelines. * all patients were diagnosed as copd with chronic bronchitis for at least two years. * all patients were using their prescribed medications including broncho-dilators and mucolytics. * patients ceased smoking 2 months before undergoing the study. * patients were selected of bmi between 25-34.9. exclusion criteria: * • history of osteoporosis, significant gastro-esophageal reflux, hiatus hernia. * recent acute cardiac event (6 weeks) or congestive cardiac failure. * any significant musculoskeletal disorders. * presence of active hemoptysis. * presence of malignant disease. * patients undergoing exacerbations. * patients of hospital admission in last 6 month. * patients with cough, rhonchi, and expectoration in last 6 month. * patients who undergo exertional desaturation of oxygen below 90% after 6mwt. * patients who suffer from prolonged recovery time of hr for more than one minute after finishing 6mwt. * prolonged recovery time of heart rate \<1 min. * patients who cannot walk.