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,

Overview

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.