Assessment of the forced expiration technique, postural drainage and directed coughing in chest physiotherapy

Eur J Respir Dis. 1983 Jan;64(1):62-8.

Abstract

The Forced Expiration Technique (FET), postural drainage (PD) and directed coughing have been evaluated in 10 patients with copious sputum (mean value 63.3 ml/24 h) with an inhaled radioaerosol method over a 30-min treatment period. FET alone and FET + PD (but not directed coughing) cleared more radioaerosol than during the control period (P less than 0.01). The wet weight of sputum obtained following FET, FET + PD and directed coughing were all significantly greater than control (P less than 0.01). However, sputum obtained by FET + PD was significantly greater than FET alone (P less than 0.05). Both FET and particularly FET + PD have been shown to be more effective than directed coughing alone and it is suggested that these manoeuvres should be incorporated into standard chest physiotherapy.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cough / physiopathology*
  • Drainage
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases, Obstructive / therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Physical Therapy Modalities*
  • Posture
  • Random Allocation
  • Respiratory Function Tests
  • Respiratory Therapy*
  • Sputum