ABSTRACT

Aim: To evaluate combined effects of RC-Cornet and active cycle of breathing techniques on the following outcomes: pulmonary functions and cough difficulty scores in patients with chronic bronchitis.

Methods: Forty with moderate COPD patients (chronic bronchitis) were chosen in this study. They had 28 to 40 years old. They were divided into: Group (A; n=20{10 women, 10 men}) received an active cycle of breathing techniques (ACBT) with using The RC-Cornet, and group (B; n= 20 {10 women, 10men}) received an active cycle of breathing techniques (ACBT) only 3 times per week for 12 weeks. All patients were received postural drainage technique and continuously encouraged to maintain their medical treatment regimen throughout the study. Pulmonary functions [PEFR and the (FEV1/FVC) ratio, cough severity levels and 6MWD were determined before and after the end of the study for each patient.

Results: There was a significant increase in PEF, FEV1\FVC ratio and 6MWT after treatment in both groups compared with that before treatment but in favor to group A. There was a significant diminish in cough difficulty score after treatment in both groups compared with that before treatment but in favor to group A.

Conclusion: The combined effects of RC-Cornet and active cycle of breathing techniques have a positive impact on pulmonary function and cough difficulty scores in chronic bronchitis while ACBT only is likewise important but with less positivity.

Keywords: OPEP, Airway clearance, PEFR, exercise capacity, COPD.