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BACKGROUND: High-frequency assisted airway clearance systems combine positive expiratory pressure or oscillatory positive airway pressure with integrated nebulizers to improve the delivery of aerosols and assist with airway clearance. This aerosol study evaluated lung delivery efficiency during positive expiratory pressure and oscillatory positive airway pressure therapy of 2 high-frequency assisted airway clearance/nebulizer systems. METHODS: Aerosol delivery was evaluated during positive expiratory pressure therapy of 10 cm H2O and oscillatory positive airway pressure therapy of 20 cm H2O with the BiWaze Clear and the Volara high-frequency assisted airway clearance/nebulizer systems. The handset and nebulizer were attached to an anatomic upper-airway model via a mouthpiece and placed into a plethysmograph. A tracheal filter was placed to capture the inhaled aerosol. A vacuum filter entrained fugitive aerosols from the plethysmograph. After nebulization of technetium in 3.0 mL normal saline solution, the components were scanned by using scintigraphy and the decay-corrected radiation counts were referenced to the initial nebulizer technetium charges. RESULTS: Aerosol delivery during positive expiratory pressure therapy of 10 cm H2O resulted in higher lung deposition with the BiWaze Clear versus the Volara (28 vs 6.2%; P < .001; 95% CI 16.5-27.7), and higher fugitive losses (23.7 vs 2.8%; P 5 .004) and nebulizer losses (55 vs 3.3%; P < .001) with the Volara than with the BiWaze Clear. Aerosol delivery during oscillatory positive airway pressure of 20 cm H2O resulted in a higher lung deposition with the BiWaze Clear versus the Volara (16.3 vs 7.3%; P 5 .005; 95% CI 3.3-15) and higher fugitive (22.3 vs 3.8%; P 5 .02) and nebulizer (58.8 vs 7.2%; P 5 .004) losses with the Volara. There were no differences at the other locations during testing. CONCLUSIONS: The BiWaze Clear system showed greater delivery efficiency than did the Volara during positive expiratory pressure and oscillatory positive airway pressure. The high residual nebulizer dose and fugitive aerosol losses through the handset leak valve contributed to the lower delivery efficiency observed with the Volara. The nebulizer type, circuit design, and handset are important factors when targeting effective aerosol delivery to the lungs with high-frequency assisted airway clearance therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Airway clearance impairment has a significant impact on self-care and quality of life. Identifying clinical data, nursing diagnoses, and nursing interventions is essential to clinical reasoning and enhancing nursing care. This study aims to map the existing evidence on clinical data, nursing diagnoses, and nursing interventions addressing the nursing focus on “airway clearance”. Methods: Research was conducted based on Joanna Briggs’s Scoping Review Methodology. We searched four databases for published studies until December 2023. Results: From the initial 1854 studies identified, 123 were included in the review. The findings highlighted two areas of nursing attention: one related to signs and symptom management, and the other related to education and coping strategies. The data that led to nursing diagnoses were divided into cognitive and clinical data. The nursing diagnoses were mostly related to secretion retention, excessive mucus production, and airway obstruction. The most commonly identified nursing interventions were educational interventions assembled into predesigned education programs rather than patient-tailored programs. Conclusions: Findings can add substantial value for systematizing the nursing process related to “airway clearance”, improving nursing decision-making and care quality. This study was prospectively registered with the Open Science Framework (OSF) on 02 December 2022, with the registration number wx5ze.

This study aims to evaluate the preliminary effects of a hybrid tele-supervised airway clearance protocol on secretion clearance, health-related quality of life, and patient satisfaction in bronchiectasis patients. A single-arm experimental pilot case series with three participants was conducted, involving six ACT sessions over three days, including one onsite supervised session and five tele-supervised sessions. Assessment measures comprised sputum expectoration, COPD assessment test (CAT), and participant satisfaction ratings. The results showed increased sputum expectoration rates during each ACT session, alongside notable improvements in CAT scores (reductions of 16, 8, and 8 points for each participant). Participants expressed high satisfaction with tele-supervised sessions and reported increased confidence in independent ACT performance post-program. The findings suggest that the hybrid ACT program may be a promising avenue for enhancing bronchiectasis management. However, further research with larger sample sizes and rigorous control groups is necessary to validate its efficacy and broader applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Airway clearance impairment has a significant impact on self-care and quality of life. Identifying clinical data, nursing diagnoses, and nursing interventions is essential to clinical reasoning and enhancing nursing care. This study aims to map the existing evidence on clinical data, nursing diagnoses, and nursing interventions addressing the nursing focus on "airway clearance". Methods: Research was conducted based on Joanna Briggs's Scoping Review Methodology. We searched four databases for published studies until December 2023. Results: From the initial 1854 studies identified, 123 were included in the review. The findings highlighted two areas of nursing attention: one related to signs and symptom management, and the other related to education and coping strategies. The data that led to nursing diagnoses were divided into cognitive and clinical data. The nursing diagnoses were mostly related to secretion retention, excessive mucus production, and airway obstruction. The most commonly identified nursing interventions were educational interventions assembled into predesigned education programs rather than patient-tailored programs. Conclusions: Findings can add substantial value for systematizing the nursing process related to "airway clearance", improving nursing decision-making and care quality. This study was prospectively registered with the Open Science Framework (OSF) on 02 December 2022, with the registration number wx5ze. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mechanical ventilation is a form of life support for 90% of critically ill patients. Aim: To evaluate the effect of cough augmentation techniques on the airway clearance of a mechanically ventilated patient. Subjects and Method: Design: Quasi- experimental study. Setting: This study was conducted at Anesthesia Intensive Care Unit of Tanta Emergency Hospital. Subjects: 60 cases divided into two groups 30 in each in the above previously mentioned setting. Tools: two tools were utilized in this research. Tool I: Mechanically Ventilated Patients Evaluation Sheet, Tool II: Patients' Hemodynamic Parameters Sheet. Results: patients with a specific medical condition have a significant increase in respiratory rate, heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and oxygen saturation after 25 minutes of intervention (p<0.05). The study and control groups didn't show significant differences in temperature (p<0.05). Mean pulmonary filtration rate (PH) didn't change significantly, but a significant decrease was observed in the third day only among the study group. Conclusion: The study found that cough augmentation techniques significantly improved airway clearance in mechanically ventilated patients, leading to increased hemodynamic stability, oxygen saturation, blood gas exchange, and breathing stability. Recommendation: The investigation suggests further multi-center studies and the use of cough augmentation techniques in managing secretions complaints in Intensive Care Units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Design Background Methods Results Conclusion Patient or Public Contribution Impact We aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding airway clearance among nurses and explore the factors affecting the knowledge, attitudes and practices.A questionnaire‐based cross‐sectional study.Airway clearance is an important method of eliminating excess secretions. In neuroscience nursing, nurses are important executors of airway management, and their knowledge, attitudes and practices can influence the effectiveness of airway clearance.This study was conducted from July to September 2023 in four hospitals in Jiangsu Province, China. A structured questionnaire about airway clearance was designed and used to collect the data. The nurses used this questionnaire to self‐rate. The STROBE checklist for cross‐sectional studies was followed.The age, work experience, highest educational attainment and technical title of the nurses can significantly influence their knowledge. The age, highest educational attainment and technical title of the nurses can significantly impact their attitudes. Practice scores were significantly influenced by age, work experience, technical title, whether the nurses had received any training on airway clearance techniques, and whether the department developed procedures for implementing the airway clearance technology. Nurses' attitudes were significantly associated with knowledge and practice, and there was no significant correlation between knowledge and practice.This study showed that age, work experience, highest educational attainment and training were related to knowledge, attitudes and practices. These findings suggest that nursing managers can conduct airway clearance training according to age group, working experience and education level of the nurses.No patient or public contribution.The findings show that the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices related to airway clearance in neuroscience nursing among nurses were acceptable, which means that nurses can better perform airway management on patients. These findings serve as a significant reference for designing an airway clearance education for nurses and meet the needs of nurses in clinical nursing practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impaired respiratory function secondary to acute or chronic respiratory disease poses a significant clinical and healthcare burden. Intrapulmonary percussive ventilation (IPV) is used in various clinical settings to treat excessive airway secretions, pulmonary atelectasis, and impaired gas exchange. Despite IPV’s wide use, there is a lack of clinical guidance on IPV application which may lead to inconsistency in clinical practice. This scoping review aimed to summarise the clinical application methods and dosage of IPV used by clinicians and researchers to provide guidance. A two-staged systematic search was conducted to retrieve studies that used IPV in inpatient and outpatient settings. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, and Google scholar were searched from January 1979 till 2022. Studies with patients aged ≥16 years and published in any language were included. Two reviewers independently screened the title and abstract, reviewed full text articles, and extracted data. Search yielded 514 studies. After removing duplicates and irrelevant studies, 25 studies with 905 participants met the inclusion criteria. This is the first scoping review to summarise IPV application methods and dosages from the available studies in intensive care unit (ICU), acute inpatient (non-ICU), and outpatient settings. Some variations in clinical applications and prescribed dosages of IPV were noted. Despite variations, common trends in clinical application and prescription of IPV dosages were observed and summarised to assist clinicians with IPV intervention. Although an evidence-based clinical guideline could not be provided, this review provides detailed information on IPV application and dosages in order to provide clinical guidance and lays a foundation towards developing a clinical practice guideline in the future.

Introduction: The indispensable application of the best evidence in the treatment of patients with respiratory diseases with increased tracheobronchial mucus production has led to the development of health technologies for the application of knowledge and skills organized in the form of devices, drugs, vaccines, procedures and systems to solve a health problem and improve the quality of life. Objective: The objective of this study was to update the knowledge about the real scenario of the use of international oscillatory positive expiratory pressure OPEP devices. Methods: Crossover randomized controlled trials were obtained from the PubMed, SciELO, Cochrane and UpToDate databases. Found 862 articles, 7 of which were included in the qualitative and quantitative analysis. Results: Predominantly the Flutter device was used in outpatient clinics of university hospitals with adults diagnosed with bronchiectasis with average age of 56.31 years. Treatment was ± 4.5 weeks lasting approximately 25 minutes. Conclusion: The educational campaigns about the OPEP should be carried out, to make the target population aware of the importance of using the devices, as well as for health professionals, to rescue the use in clinical practice.

Electric Impedance Tomography (EIT) technology is comprehensively explored in this study, emphasizing its non-invasive, real-time, dynamic, and radiation-free capabilities for lung ventilation monitoring at the bedside. The exploration encompasses the fundamental principles of EIT including physical, mathematical, and medical aspects, alongside its commonly utilized clinical monitoring functionalities and applications in the rehabilitation of critical respiratory diseases. This study aims to offer insights into the clinical rehabilitation application of EIT technology. Key clinical monitoring functionalities of EIT predominantly entail lung ventilation monitoring, encompassing both spatial and temporal parameters, as well as perfusion distribution monitoring. In the context of critical respiratory disease rehabilitation, EIT finds application in early rehabilitation activity safety assessment, guiding the formulation of respiratory rehabilitation plans, and dynamically assessing rehabilitation effectiveness. This includes providing precise guidance for lung recruitment, airway clearance therapy, respiratory muscle training, individualized ventilation settings, and evaluating the effects of respiratory rehabilitation interventions. Limitations in the application of EIT for critical respiratory diseases rehabilitation primarily include insufficient image stability and the impact of signal reconstruction on monitoring effectiveness, alongside the absence of consensus on personalized adjustment of EIT settings, the necessity for further validation of effectiveness and safety, and the absence of standards and norms in parameter interpretation and examination reporting. Future efforts should prioritize optimizing EIT technology, advancing data fusion techniques, and establishing international standards and guidelines for its utilization to achieve personalized and refined management throughout the entire critical care rehabilitation process using EIT.

Abstract Objectives Airway clearance interventions are recommended for people with chronic lung conditions and mucus hypersecretion, but there are few published models of care or descriptions of airway clearance service provision. This evaluation describes a dedicated, physiotherapy-led, community-based airway clearance service in a metropolitan local health network. Design Retrospective evaluation using existing airway clearance service administrative database. Participants All first referrals to the airway clearance service in a 5-year period (1/1/2017 to 31/12/2021). Main outcome measures Available service data grouped into four domains: participant demographics, referral demographics, service provision and outcomes. Results Of the 1335 first referrals eligible for inclusion, 1157 (87%) people attended. Bronchiectasis was the commonest condition (n = 649/1135, 49%). A total of 2996 occasions of service (face to face clinic n = 2108, 70%, phone n = 736, 25%, telehealth n = 99, 3%, home visit n = 53, 2%) were delivered. Airway clearance devices frequently prescribed were the Aerobika (525/1157, 45%), bubble-positive expiratory pressure (263/1157, 23%) and the Acapella (127/1157, 11%). On average, initial appointment with the airway clearance service occurred within 36 days of referral and people attended the service three times. Individuals voluntarily completed both pre/post service questionnaires around a third of the time. At least half of responders reported an improvement in respiratory symptom outcome measures consistent with the minimum clinically important difference. Conclusions This evaluation describes an airway clearance service as it exists, providing an example from which airway clearance services can be planned, implemented and improved.

Background: To limit the progression of disease, people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) perform daily respiratory physiotherapy, which is perceived as the most burdensome routine in managing their condition. The elexacaftor–tezacaftor–ivacaftor (ETI) combination has changed respiratory management. Objective: To investigate how the perceived treatment burden changed in 1 year of treatment with ETI. Design: Prospective observational study. Methods: Ad hoc questionnaires for the pwCF and for the caregivers of pwCF < 18 years were administered before the initiation of ETI therapy and then at 6–12 months. The Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised (CFQ-R) and the Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) were administered to explore disease-related symptoms and social limitations. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to determine levels of physical activity. Mixed-effect models were fitted to explore whether the time engaged in respiratory physiotherapy changed during 1 year. Results: The study included 47/184 pwCF aged 21.4 (5.7) years, who completed 1 year of ETI therapy. At 6 months, time on aerosol therapy was decreased by 2.5 (95% CI −32.9 to 27.8) min/day, time on airway clearance therapies (ACTs) was decreased by 8.8 (95% CI −25.9 to 8.3) min/day, and time for cleaning and disinfecting respiratory equipment was decreased by 10.6 (95% CI −26.5 to 5.3) min/day. At 1 year, gains in time saved were nearly 15 min/day on average. At 1 year, 5/47 (10.6%) pwCF reported that they had discontinued positive expiratory pressure mask. Conclusion: PwCF on ETI may note less time engaged in their daily respiratory physiotherapy routine. Nonetheless, aerosol therapy, ACTs and maintaining respiratory equipment were still perceived as time-consuming daily activities. Plain language summary: Understanding the challenges of respiratory physiotherapy in individuals with cystic fibrosis using triple therapy: a one-year study. In order to slow down the progression of their disease, people with cystic fibrosis typically do daily respiratory physiotherapy, which they find to be the most challenging part of managing their condition. The elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor combination has changed how they manage their respiratory health. We wanted to see how the perceived difficulty of the treatment changed over one year of using elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor. We gave questionnaires to people with cystic fibrosis and to their caregivers before they started the triple therapy and again at 6-12 months. We also used two international questionnaires to learn about symptoms and social limitations related to the disease. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire helped us understand their physical activity levels. We used statistical models to see if the time spent on respiratory physiotherapy changed over the year. Our study involved 47 individuals with cystic fibrosis, with an average age of 21 years, who completed one year of elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor therapy. After 6 months, time spent on aerosol therapy decreased by 2.5 minutes per day, time on airway clearance therapies decreased by 8.8 minutes per day, and time for cleaning respiratory equipment decreased by 10.6 minutes per day. By the end of the year, they were saving almost 15 minutes per day on average. At one year, 5 out of 47 said they had stopped using the positive expiratory pressure mask. People with cystic fibrosis using elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor may find that they spend less time on their daily respiratory physiotherapy routine. However, activities like aerosol therapy, airway clearance therapies, and maintaining respiratory equipment were still seen as time-consuming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a preventable and treatable disease. Mucus accumulation, a common impairment in COPD affects lung function, exacerbations and quality of life. Physiotherapy measures including positive expiratory pressure devices like lung flute form the non-pharmacologic treatment options for the same. Although not a primary airway clearance device, inspiratory muscle trainer (IMT) plays a role in it. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of lung flute and IMT as methods for sputum clearance in COPD. METHOD: Participants with COPD were recruited from the Department of Pulmonology and screened for eligibility. Block randomization was used to divide the participants into three groups: Inspiratory muscle training (IMT), lung flute (LF), and routine physiotherapy (RP). Supervised 30 minutes of in-patient intervention was delivered to all the groups for 6 days, once a day. Total sputum volume analysis (TSV) was conducted before and after 6 days of intervention. Descriptive statistics were presented as median and quartiles. Kruskal Wallis H test and Wilcoxon signed rank test were applied. RESULTS: 60 participants aged 55 to 65 years with mild to moderate COPD were included in the study. Median TSV for RP, LF and IMT were 8.50, 20.50 and 25.75 ml respectively. Pair-wised comparisons for TSV revealed significant differences for the means of the rank scores between RP and LF (LF dominant) (p < 0.001), RP and IMT (IMT dominant) (p < 0.001) and LF and IMT (IMT dominant) (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: IMT performed superiorly in terms of sputum clearance in patients with COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) is a cough augmentation technique used to support people with an ineffective cough. MI-E can be complex due to the number of different pressure, flow, and temporal setting adjustments needed to optimize cough efficacy. Many clinicians identify inadequate training, limited experience, and low confidence as barriers to MI-E use. The purpose of this study was to determine if an online education course could improve confidence and competence in the delivery of MI-E. METHODS: An e-mail invitation to participate was disseminated to physiotherapists with a caseload that involved airway clearance for adults. The exclusion criteria were self-reported confidence and clinical expertise in MI-E. The education was created by physiotherapists with extensive experience in the provision of MI-E. The education material reviewed theoretical and practical components and was designed to take 6 h to complete. Physiotherapists were randomized to either the intervention group, who had 3 weeks of access to the education or the control group who received no intervention. Respondents in both groups completed a baseline and a post-intervention questionnaire by using visual analog scales, 0 to 10, with the primary outcomes being confidence in the prescription and confidence in the application of MI-E. Ten multiple-choice questions that covered key components of MI-E fundamentals were also completed at baseline and post-intervention. RESULTS: The intervention group had a significant improvement in the visual analog scale after the education period with a between-group difference of mean 3.6 (95% CI 4.5 to 2.7) for prescription confidence and mean 2.9 (95% CI 3.9 to 1.9) for application confidence. There was also an improvement in the multiple-choice questions with a between-group difference of mean 3.2 (95% CI 4.3 to 2). CONCLUSIONS: Access to an evidence-based online education course improved confidence in the prescription and application of MI-E, and may be a valuable tool for training clinicians in the application of MI-E. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Patients receiving mechanical ventilation often require airway clearance and inhaled therapies. Intrapulmonary percussive ventilation (IPV) combines a high-frequency percussive ventilator with a jet nebulizer. Data on aerosol delivery efficiency of the device are scarce. We evaluated albuterol delivery efficiency while using an IPV in-line adapter under different conditions. METHODS: A pediatric lung model of invasive mechanical ventilation was used. The following independent variables were evaluated: lung condition (normal vs ARDS), ventilator mode (adaptive pressure ventilation vs pressure control), percent opening of adapter (0% vs 25% vs 50%), IPV driving pressure (25 psi vs 40 psi), IPV percussion setting (easy vs hard), and endotracheal tube (ETT) size (3.5 mm vs 5.5 mm). Albuterol delivery efficiency (mass captured in the filter expressed as percentage of loading dose) was selected as the dependent variable. Albuterol was captured on a filter at the tip of the ETT and quantified via spectrophotometry (276 nm). RESULTS: Albuterol delivery efficiency ranged from 0-2.89%. Median (interquartile range) and 95% CI around the median were 0.54% (0.37-1.00) and 0.50-0.63%, respectively. The coefficient of determination (R²) for the model including all variables was 0.363. The 2 main contributors were percent of adapter opening (R² 0.30) and IPV setting (R² 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: Albuterol delivery during invasive mechanical ventilation via in-line IPV in a pediatric lung model was inefficient. Alternative methods of delivering bronchodilators and other inhaled medications should be considered when IPV is used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The International Study of Wheezing in Infants defines recurrent wheezing as the presence of three or more medically documented episodes of wheezing within one year. To date, there is no evidence on the use of hypertonic saline (HS) combined with airway clearance techniques (ACT) for children with recurrent wheezing treated in an outpatient setting. Therefore, this is the first study to explore the use of such interventions in infants with recurrent wheezing. Objectives: To evaluate the effects and safety of a three-month protocol including HS and ACT for non-hospitalized infants with recurrent wheezing. Methods: Randomized, double-blind, controlled trial, including outpatient infants with recurrent wheezing. Children were randomized to either 3% HS or 0.9% saline groups and were treated with bronchodilator and nebulized with the respective solutions before ACT. The primary outcome was the Wang score. Secondary outcomes included the number of hospitalizations and respiratory crisis, need for rescue medication, and school absences. All variables were measured during the three previous months from inclusion and during intervention period. The study protocol was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04331496) on March, 31, 2020. Results: Forty children were included. Regarding immediate effects, significant differences ([Formula: see text]) were found for time, but not for group or interaction (group × time), in all outcome variables (increase in SpO2, decrease in heart and respiratory rate, wheezing episodes, retraction, and Wang score). Comparing the previous three months with the study period, there were significant differences in both groups for the severity of crisis ([Formula: see text]) and medication steps ([Formula: see text]). Conclusion: A three-month protocol including HS and ACT for outpatient infants with recurrent wheezing was safe and reduced morbidity. No differences were found between the use of HS and 0.9% saline.

Abstract Background Participation in airway clearance techniques (ACT) is important to minimise development of irreversible airway obstruction in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Positive expiratory pressure (PEP) and expiratory resistance devices (ERD) are often used as they can improve collateral ventilation and aid in the shearing of mucus from airways. This project looked to identify whether utilising an ERD during a forced expiration technique (FET) improves ease of expectoration, sputum amount and coughing frequency in patients with CF. Method Patients with CF admitted for a respiratory exacerbation completed two sessions of 10 cycles of their usual ACT with half of the FET components performed with an ERD, half with FET alone. Results EOE, sputum wet weight, cough frequency and patient preference were similar between groups. Improved EOE without the ERD was found in participants who usually use PEP for their ACT regime. Conclusion Combining the FET with a PEP mask did not improve EOE and other outcomes in this small study. Investigating the efficacy of this technique within a larger population is warranted.

Abstract Background Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by abnormal function of the chloride ion channels and characterized by pancreatic insufficiency and chronic endobronchial airway infection. Pulmonary dysfunction is very common and could lead to a reduction in the quality of life. Airway clearance techniques (ACT) and physical exercises are introduced as one of the main components of treatment. Therefore, it will be of interest to examine the effect of aerobic exercises compared to conventional chest physiotherapy (CPT) on pulmonary function, functional capacity, sputum culture, and quality of life in patients with CF. Methods Thirty patients with CF will participate in a double-blind parallel controlled trial containing 18 sessions of treatment. Group A consists of CPT and placebo aerobic exercise, and group B includes aerobic exercise and placebo CPT. Pulmonary function, functional capacity, sputum culture, and quality of life will be evaluated with a spirometry test, 6-min walk test (6MWT), sputum culture test, and the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised (CFQ-R), respectively, before and after the intervention. Discussion We will evaluate and compare the effectiveness of aerobic exercises and conventional chest physiotherapy on pulmonary function, functional capacity, sputum culture, and quality of life. Comparing these two treatment patterns can contribute to a better understanding of the effectiveness. Therefore, if there is a significant difference between the two treatments, the superior treatment will be prioritized clinically. Trial registration https://www.irct.ir , IRCT20210505051181N5. Registered on 19 February 2023.

This study aims to evaluate the preliminary effects of a hybrid tele-supervised airway clearance protocol on secretion clearance, health-related quality of life, and patient satisfaction in bronchiectasis patients. A single-arm experimental pilot case series with three participants was conducted, involving six ACT sessions over three days, including one onsite supervised session and five tele-supervised sessions. Assessment measures comprised sputum expectoration, COPD assessment test (CAT), and participant satisfaction ratings. The results showed increased sputum expectoration rates during each ACT session, alongside notable improvements in CAT scores (reductions of 16, 8, and 8 points for each participant). Participants expressed high satisfaction with tele-supervised sessions and reported increased confidence in independent ACT performance post-program. The findings suggest that the hybrid ACT program may be a promising avenue for enhancing bronchiectasis management. However, further research with larger sample sizes and rigorous control groups is necessary to validate its efficacy and broader applicability.

Abstract Background Extubation failure, defined as reintubation within 48 h, is associated with increased intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay and higher mortality risk. One cause of extubation failure is secretion retention, resulting from an inability to cough effectively. Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) simulates a cough aiding secretion clearance. However, MI-E is not routinely used in the ICU for invasively ventilated patients. This study aims to determine feasibility and acceptability of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) examining MI-E use to promote extubation success in intubated, ventilated adults. Methods It is a single-centre, feasibility RCT with semi-structured interviews, economic scoping, and exploratory physiology study. The feasibility RCT (n = 50) will compare standard care to a MI-E protocol including a minimum of two MI-E sessions via the endotracheal tube prior to extubation. Post-extubation, MI-E will be delivered via facemask or mouthpiece up to two times/day for 48 h. MI-E settings will be individualised. All patients will receive standard care (no MI-E) in relation to mechanical ventilation, weaning, rehabilitation, physiotherapy techniques such as positioning, manual airway clearance techniques, manual/ventilator hyperinflation, endotracheal suctioning, and nebulisation. Clinical data collection will occur before, on completion, and 5-min post-physiotherapy sessions (intervention/control arms). Resource use will be calculated for each 24-h period. Analyses will be descriptive and address feasibility outcomes including participant recruitment and attrition, proportion of MI-E treatment sessions completed, dataset completeness, and frequency of adverse events and acceptability. Semi-structured online interviews informed by the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA) with patients, clinicians, and family members will explore the acceptability of the MI-E intervention and study processes. Interview data will be analysed using reflexive thematic analysis based on TFA domains through first-level coding. The embedded physiology study will use electrical impedance tomography and lung ultrasound to explore lung recruitment and de-recruitment during MI-E in a subset of 5–10 patients. Discussion This study will examine feasibility and acceptability of a RCT protocol of MI-E to promote extubation success. Study findings will inform design modification and conduct of a future adequately powered trial. Furthermore, the study will contribute and advance the understanding of MI-E use in critically ill intubated adults. Trial registration ISRCTN 24603037; IRAS 303674

Background: Participation in airway clearance techniques (ACT) is important to minimise development of irreversible airway obstruction in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Positive expiratory pressure (PEP) and expiratory resistance devices (ERD) are often used as they can improve collateral ventilation and aid in the shearing of mucus from airways. This project looked to identify whether utilising an ERD during a forced expiration technique (FET) improves ease of expectoration, sputum amount and coughing frequency in patients with CF. Method: Patients with CF admitted for a respiratory exacerbation completed two sessions of 10 cycles of their usual ACT with half of the FET components performed with an ERD, half with FET alone. Results: EOE, sputum wet weight, cough frequency and patient preference were similar between groups. Improved EOE without the ERD was found in participants who usually use PEP for their ACT regime. Conclusion: Combining the FET with a PEP mask did not improve EOE and other outcomes in this small study. Investigating the efficacy of this technique within a larger population is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by abnormal function of the chloride ion channels and characterized by pancreatic insufficiency and chronic endobronchial airway infection. Pulmonary dysfunction is very common and could lead to a reduction in the quality of life. Airway clearance techniques (ACT) and physical exercises are introduced as one of the main components of treatment. Therefore, it will be of interest to examine the effect of aerobic exercises compared to conventional chest physiotherapy (CPT) on pulmonary function, functional capacity, sputum culture, and quality of life in patients with CF. Methods: Thirty patients with CF will participate in a double-blind parallel controlled trial containing 18 sessions of treatment. Group A consists of CPT and placebo aerobic exercise, and group B includes aerobic exercise and placebo CPT. Pulmonary function, functional capacity, sputum culture, and quality of life will be evaluated with a spirometry test, 6-min walk test (6MWT), sputum culture test, and the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised (CFQ-R), respectively, before and after the intervention. Discussion: We will evaluate and compare the effectiveness of aerobic exercises and conventional chest physiotherapy on pulmonary function, functional capacity, sputum culture, and quality of life. Comparing these two treatment patterns can contribute to a better understanding of the effectiveness. Therefore, if there is a significant difference between the two treatments, the superior treatment will be prioritized clinically. Trial registration: https://www.irct.ir, IRCT20210505051181N5. Registered on 19 February 2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oscillating positive expiratory pressure (OPEP) devices play a key role in airway clearance, particularly in patients with cystic fibrosis. These devices, however, have the potential to become reservoirs for pathogenic organisms and require daily, or even more frequent, cleaning. This places a large burden on patients and their carers. Aims: The objective of this work was to develop a disposable OPEP device, with comparable mechanical performance to commercial devices, that negates the need for cleaning after use thus reducing microbiological risks. Methods: 3D printing was used to iterate and develop a prototype disposable device (The University of Limerick OPEP, abbreviated to the UL-OPEP) that was compared with a selection of commercially available devices for mean pressure and oscillation amplitude (cmH2O), as well as oscillation frequency (Hz). All devices were tested using a healthy volunteer at a target expiratory flow of ~ 20 L/min. The target therapeutic range was 10–20 cmH2O at a flow rate of 10–20 L/min as is reported widely in the literature. Results: The prototype disposable device achieved a mean pressure of 14.82 cmH2O at a mean flow rate of 18.82 L/min, and generated an oscillation frequency of 26 Hz with an amplitude of 1.28 cmH2O. These characteristics compare favourably with existing, more complex, reusable OPEP devices. Conclusions: The UL-OPEP device is a small, disposable OPEP device, that generates pressure and oscillation amplitudes for clinically effective airway clearance. The device negates the need for cleaning and disinfecting, removing the risk of devices acting as a potential reservoir for pathogenic organisms while maintaining mucus-clearing benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The brand-new anti-choking devices (LifeVac® and DeCHOKER®) have been recently developed to treat Foreign Body Airway Obstruction (FBAO). However, the scientific evidence around these devices that are available to the public is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the ability to use the LifeVac® and DeCHOKER® devices in an adult FBAO simulated scenario, by untrained health science students. Methods Forty-three health science students were asked to solve an FBAO event in three simulated scenarios: 1) using the LifeVac®, 2) using the DeCHOKER®, and 3) following the recommendations of the current FBAO protocol. A simulation-based assessment was used to analyze the correct compliance rate in the three scenarios based on the correct execution of the required steps, and the time it took to complete each one. Results Participants achieved correct compliance rates between 80–100%, similar in both devices (p = 0.192). Overall test times were significantly shorter with LifeVac® than DeCHOKER® device (36.6 sec. [31.9–44.4] vs. 50.4 s [36.7–66.9], p

Background: In tuberculosis, excessive secretion production can cause airway obstruction, resulting in the problem of ineffective airway clearance. One of the nursing interventions that can be applied to clear sputum in the airways is chest physiotherapy and effective coughing techniques. Effective cough techniques and chest physiotherapy to make things easier expelling sputum so that the breathing process can run well so that it meets the body's oxygen needs. Objective: The aim of the research was to determine the application of effective coughing and chest physiotherapy to reduce the ineffectiveness of airway clearance in tuberculosis clients carried out independently. Methods: This research method uses a descriptive method with a case study approach. The instrument used is an observation sheet. The number of respondents included one tuberculosis family with a nursing diagnosis of ineffective airway clearance. Result: The results of applying effective cough techniques and chest physiotherapy given twice per day for three days with a duration of 10 to 15 minutes for each appointment showed that complaints of coughing and shortness of breath were reduced and it was easier to expel phlegm. Conclusion: The application of effective coughing techniques and chest physiotherapy has proven effective in reducing ineffective airway clearance in tuberculosis clients. Effective cough techniques and chest physiotherapy can be used as alternative measures to overcome ineffective airway clearance.

Airway clearance is a critical component of both maintenance of respiratory health and management of acute respiratory illnesses. The process of effective airway clearance begins with the recognition of secretions in the airway and culminates in expectoration or swallowing. There are multiple points on this continuum at which neuromuscular disease causes impaired airway clearance. This can result in an otherwise mild upper respiratory illness progressing unabated from an easily managed condition to a severe, life-threatening lower respiratory illness requiring intensive therapy for patient recovery. Even during periods of relative health, airway protective mechanisms can be compromised, and patients may have difficulty managing average quantities of secretions. This review summarizes airway clearance physiology and pathophysiology, mechanical and pharmacologic treatment modalities, and provides a practical approach for managing secretions in patients with neuromuscular disease. Neuromuscular disease is an umbrella term used to describe disorders that involve dysfunction of peripheral nerves, the neuromuscular junction, or skeletal muscle. Although this paper specifically reviews airway clearance pertaining to those with neuromuscular diseases (e.g., muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, myasthenia gravis), most of its content is relevant to the management of patients with central nervous system disorders such as chronic static encephalopathy caused by trauma, metabolic or genetic abnormalities, congenital infection, or neonatal hypoxic-ischemic injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Extubation failure, defined as reintubation within 48 h, is associated with increased intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay and higher mortality risk. One cause of extubation failure is secretion retention, resulting from an inability to cough effectively. Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) simulates a cough aiding secretion clearance. However, MI-E is not routinely used in the ICU for invasively ventilated patients. This study aims to determine feasibility and acceptability of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) examining MI-E use to promote extubation success in intubated, ventilated adults. Methods: It is a single-centre, feasibility RCT with semi-structured interviews, economic scoping, and exploratory physiology study. The feasibility RCT (n = 50) will compare standard care to a MI-E protocol including a minimum of two MI-E sessions via the endotracheal tube prior to extubation. Post-extubation, MI-E will be delivered via facemask or mouthpiece up to two times/day for 48 h. MI-E settings will be individualised. All patients will receive standard care (no MI-E) in relation to mechanical ventilation, weaning, rehabilitation, physiotherapy techniques such as positioning, manual airway clearance techniques, manual/ventilator hyperinflation, endotracheal suctioning, and nebulisation. Clinical data collection will occur before, on completion, and 5-min post-physiotherapy sessions (intervention/control arms). Resource use will be calculated for each 24-h period. Analyses will be descriptive and address feasibility outcomes including participant recruitment and attrition, proportion of MI-E treatment sessions completed, dataset completeness, and frequency of adverse events and acceptability. Semi-structured online interviews informed by the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA) with patients, clinicians, and family members will explore the acceptability of the MI-E intervention and study processes. Interview data will be analysed using reflexive thematic analysis based on TFA domains through first-level coding. The embedded physiology study will use electrical impedance tomography and lung ultrasound to explore lung recruitment and de-recruitment during MI-E in a subset of 5–10 patients. Discussion: This study will examine feasibility and acceptability of a RCT protocol of MI-E to promote extubation success. Study findings will inform design modification and conduct of a future adequately powered trial. Furthermore, the study will contribute and advance the understanding of MI-E use in critically ill intubated adults. Trial registration: ISRCTN 24603037; IRAS 303674 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Airway clearance techniques (ACTs) for individuals with bronchiectasis are routinely prescribed in clinical practice and recommended by international guidelines, especially during an acute exacerbation. However, there is limited evidence of the efficacy of these techniques during an exacerbation to improve sputum expectoration, health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) or exercise tolerance. The primary aim of this study is to compare the effects of the active cycle of breathing technique (ACBT), oscillating positive expiratory pressure (O-PEP) therapy, and walking with huffing on sputum expectoration for adults hospitalised with an acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis. Secondary aims are to compare the effects of these interventions on HRQOL, health status, exacerbation rates and hospital admissions in a six-month period following hospital discharge. Methods This multi-centre randomised controlled trial will recruit adults with an acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis requiring hospital admission. Participants will be randomised to receive one of three interventions: ACBT, O-PEP therapy, and walking with huffing. Outcome measures including sputum volume during and 1-h post ACT session, and 24-h sputum, as well as health status, HRQOL and exercise capacity will be completed during inpatient stay on day 2 and day 6 of admission, and within 24 h of hospital discharge. Time to first exacerbation, and time to first hospitalisation will be monitored via monthly phone calls for six months post hospital discharge. Health status and HRQOL will be assessed after discharge at two and six months, and exercise capacity will be assessed at six months post hospital discharge. Discussion Despite recommendations regarding the importance of ACT for individuals with bronchiectasis during an acute exacerbation, there is a gap in the literature regarding effectiveness of ACT when undertaken by individuals in this clinical state. This study will add to the evidence base regarding the effectiveness of commonly implemented ACTs during a hospital admission with an exacerbation of bronchiectasis. Additionally, it will contribute to knowledge of the long term effects on important and patient-centred outcomes, including incidence of future exacerbations, and HRQOL, which has not been previously established. Trial registration Registered on the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12621000428864).

Abstract Background Gravity, and thus body position, can affect the regional distribution of lung ventilation and blood flow. Therefore, body positioning is a potential tool to improve regional ventilation, thereby possibly enhancing the effect of respiratory physiotherapy interventions. In this proof-of-concept study, functional respiratory imaging (FRI) was used to objectively assess effects of body position on regional airflow distribution in the lungs. Methods Five healthy volunteers were recruited. The participants were asked during FRI first to lie in supine position, afterwards in standardized right lateral position. Results In right lateral position there was significantly more regional ventilation also described as Imaging Airflow Distribution in the right lung than in the left lung (P

Background: The brand-new anti-choking devices (LifeVac® and DeCHOKER®) have been recently developed to treat Foreign Body Airway Obstruction (FBAO). However, the scientific evidence around these devices that are available to the public is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the ability to use the LifeVac® and DeCHOKER® devices in an adult FBAO simulated scenario, by untrained health science students. Methods: Forty-three health science students were asked to solve an FBAO event in three simulated scenarios: 1) using the LifeVac®, 2) using the DeCHOKER®, and 3) following the recommendations of the current FBAO protocol. A simulation-based assessment was used to analyze the correct compliance rate in the three scenarios based on the correct execution of the required steps, and the time it took to complete each one. Results: Participants achieved correct compliance rates between 80–100%, similar in both devices (p = 0.192). Overall test times were significantly shorter with LifeVac® than DeCHOKER® device (36.6 sec. [31.9–44.4] vs. 50.4 s [36.7–66.9], p < 0.001). Regarding the recommended protocol, a 50% correct compliance rate was obtained in those with prior training vs. 31.3% without training, (p = 0.002). Conclusions: Untrained health science students are able to quickly and adequately use the brand-new anti-choking devices but have more difficulties in applying the current recommended FBAO protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative condition noteworthy for upper and lower motor neuron death. Involvement of respiratory motor neuron pools leads to progressive pathology. These impairments include decreases in neural activation and muscle coordination, progressive airway obstruction, weakened airway defenses, restrictive lung disease, increased risk of pulmonary infections, and weakness and atrophy of respiratory muscles. These neural, airway, pulmonary, and neuromuscular changes deteriorate integrated respiratory-related functions including sleep, cough, swallowing, and breathing. Ultimately, respiratory complications account for a large portion of morbidity and mortality in ALS. This state-of-the-art review highlights applications of respiratory therapies for ALS, including lung volume recruitment, mechanical insufflation-exsufflation, non-invasive ventilation, and respiratory strength training. Therapeutic acute intermittent hypoxia, an emerging therapeutic tool for inducing respiratory plasticity will also be introduced. A focus on emerging evidence and future work underscores the common goal to continue to improve survival for patients living with ALS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bronchiectasis is a serious, debilitating condition warranting specialist care. Aims: To determine if care provided in a tertiary hospital general respiratory clinic was guideline concordant and to validate the Bronchiectasis Severity Index (BSI) in the Australian context. Methods: A single‐centre ambispective study was conducted. The first stage involved a retrospective medical record audit between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2016. All aspects of bronchiectasis management were reviewed. In the second prospective phase the cohort was followed for 4 years to determine survival and the validity of the BSI determined. Results: A total of 145 patients was included, with mean age of 65 years (standard deviation = 16.6). The aetiology of bronchiectasis was explicitly documented for 58 (40%) patients, with potential causes identified in another 37 patients. Post‐infectious aetiologies were described in 62 (43%) patients. Most patients had lung function testing (n = 142; 97%) and sputum culture results (n = 120; 83%). Long‐term antibiotics were prescribed to 49 (34%) patients. Only patients culturing Pseudomonas spp. were prescribed inhaled antibiotics. Documentation regarding essential management recommendations was low, including airway clearance (46%), pneumococcal vaccination (27%) and written action plans (32%). Severe disease was common, with more than one‐third (34–48%) having BSI scores >9. One‐fifth (21%) of the cohort died during the 4‐year follow‐up period. The BSI was significantly associated with mortality risk (odds ratio 7.7; 95% confidence interval = 3.1–19.3; P < 0.001). Conclusion: Our cohort had a high proportion of patients with severe disease and significant mortality; some, but not all, aspects of recommended care were delivered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanical insufflation‐exsufflation (MI‐E) is an effective airway clearance device for impaired cough associated with respiratory muscle weakness caused by neuromuscular disease. Its complications on the respiratory system, such as pneumothorax, are well‐recognized, but the association of the autonomic nervous system dysfunction with MI‐E has never been reported. We herein describe two cases of Guillain–Barré syndrome with cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction during MI‐E: a 22‐year‐old man who developed transient asystole and an 83‐year‐old man who presented with prominent fluctuation of blood pressure. These episodes occurred during the use of MI‐E with abnormal cardiac autonomic testing, such as heart rate variability in both patients. While Guillain–Barré syndrome itself may cause cardiac autonomic dysfunction, MI‐E possibly caused or enhanced the autonomic dysfunction by an alternation of thoracic cavity pressure. The possibility of MI‐E‐related cardiovascular complications should be recognized, and its appropriate monitoring and management are necessary, particularly when used for Guillain–Barré syndrome patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Daily application of mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) is used increasingly in patients with neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) to prevent pulmonary congestion and thereby respiratory tract infections, although its beneficial effect remains uncertain. We, therefore, conducted a systematic review, registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020158278), to compile available evidence for daily MI-E use in subjects with NMDs and stable respiratory condition. METHODS: We performed a systematic comprehensive search of MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science up to December 23, 2021. We excluded articles studying the effect of MI-E in case of acute respiratory failure or infections and studies comparing different MI-E devices and settings. Studied outcomes were prevalence and severity of respiratory infections, lung function, respiratory characteristics, and patient satisfaction. We performed a meta-analysis using DerSimonian- Laird random effects model and assessed methodological quality by using the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research tool. RESULTS: A total of 3,374 records were screened, of which 25 were included, studying 608 subjects. One randomized controlled trial (RCT) found a trend toward reduced duration of respiratory infections compared to air stacking (AS) that was not statistically significant. Long-term effects on pulmonary function tests (PFT) results were reported in one RCT and one retrospective study, with mixed results regarding vital capacity. Most studies compared PFT results before and immediately after MI-E use. Meta-analysis showed an overall beneficial effect of MI-E on cough peak flow (CPF) compared to unassisted CPF (mean difference 91.6 L/min [95% CI 28.3-155.0], P < .001). Subject satisfaction was high, though possibly influenced by major bias. CONCLUSIONS: There is limited evidence available to support beneficial effects of daily use of MI-E in clinically stable subjects with NMDs, with the possible exception of increased CPF immediately after MI-E application. Lack of longitudinal studies preclude conclusions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Physiotherapy-related data, such as airway clearance techniques (ACTS), physical activity and aerobic fitness are not consistently included in international cystic fibrosis (CF) data registries. This study aimed to pilot the collection of ACTS, physical activity and fitness in a hospital CF clinic, as a step towards informing future national implementation. Methods This study was undertaken in a CF clinic within a major tertiary hospital. Patients and families were invited to participate. Participants completed self-report questionnaires on ACT use and those aged ≥ 10 years completed a physical activity questionnaire (Core Indicators and Measures of Youth Health Survey) and aerobic fitness test (the A-STEP test). Participants also completed a survey to explore the tolerance and acceptability of the fitness test, and the perceived accuracy of the self-reported data collection. Results Forty patients agreed to participate in the study (mean age = 9.8, SD = 4.1 years old; 52.5% female). All patients and/or families that were approached agreed to participate and completion rate for the ACTs and physical activity surveys was 98% and 100% (respectively). Completion rate for the fitness test was 55%, due to time constraints. Most participants agreed (≥ 90%) they could accurately provide ACT and physical activity data, and the assessments were tolerable and acceptable. Conclusions Patients with CF and their families are able to and can acceptably provide physiotherapy-related data, and collecting self-report ACTs and physical activity data is highly feasibly during routine CF clinic visits. However, aerobic fitness testing using the A-STEP test may be less feasible in clinic environments, due to time constraints.

Abstract Mechanical insufflation‐exsufflation (MI‐E) is an effective airway clearance device for impaired cough associated with respiratory muscle weakness caused by neuromuscular disease. Its complications on the respiratory system, such as pneumothorax, are well‐recognized, but the association of the autonomic nervous system dysfunction with MI‐E has never been reported. We herein describe two cases of Guillain–Barré syndrome with cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction during MI‐E: a 22‐year‐old man who developed transient asystole and an 83‐year‐old man who presented with prominent fluctuation of blood pressure. These episodes occurred during the use of MI‐E with abnormal cardiac autonomic testing, such as heart rate variability in both patients. While Guillain–Barré syndrome itself may cause cardiac autonomic dysfunction, MI‐E possibly caused or enhanced the autonomic dysfunction by an alternation of thoracic cavity pressure. The possibility of MI‐E‐related cardiovascular complications should be recognized, and its appropriate monitoring and management are necessary, particularly when used for Guillain–Barré syndrome patients.

Background: Physiotherapy-led airway clearance interventions are indicated for some people with chronic lung conditions. This study describes Australian clinical models for the provision of adult airway clearance services. Methods: This cross-sectional national study recruited public and private health care providers (excluding cystic fibrosisspecific services) identified by a review of websites. Providers were invited to complete an electronic 61-item survey with questions about airway clearance service context, referral demographics, service provision and program metrics. Data were reported descriptively with differences between metropolitan and non-metropolitan services explored with chisquare tests. Results: Between October-December 2019, the survey was disseminated to 131 providers with 91 responses received (69% response rate; 87 (96%) public (34 metropolitan; 53 non-metropolitan) and 4 (4%) private). Intent (chronic condition self-management) and types of intervention provided (education, breathing techniques, exercise prescription) were common across all services. Geographic location was associated with differences in airway clearance service models (greater use of regular clinics, telephone/telehealth consultations and dedicated cardiorespiratory physiotherapists in metropolitan locations versus clients incurring service and device provision costs in non-metropolitan regions). Conclusions: While similarities in airway clearance interventions exist, differences in service models may disadvantage people living with chronic lung conditions, especially in non-metropolitan regions of Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Airway clearance techniques (ACTs) for individuals with bronchiectasis are routinely prescribed in clinical practice and recommended by international guidelines, especially during an acute exacerbation. However, there is limited evidence of the efficacy of these techniques during an exacerbation to improve sputum expectoration, health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) or exercise tolerance. The primary aim of this study is to compare the effects of the active cycle of breathing technique (ACBT), oscillating positive expiratory pressure (O-PEP) therapy, and walking with huffing on sputum expectoration for adults hospitalised with an acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis. Secondary aims are to compare the effects of these interventions on HRQOL, health status, exacerbation rates and hospital admissions in a six-month period following hospital discharge. Methods: This multi-centre randomised controlled trial will recruit adults with an acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis requiring hospital admission. Participants will be randomised to receive one of three interventions: ACBT, O-PEP therapy, and walking with huffing. Outcome measures including sputum volume during and 1-h post ACT session, and 24-h sputum, as well as health status, HRQOL and exercise capacity will be completed during inpatient stay on day 2 and day 6 of admission, and within 24 h of hospital discharge. Time to first exacerbation, and time to first hospitalisation will be monitored via monthly phone calls for six months post hospital discharge. Health status and HRQOL will be assessed after discharge at two and six months, and exercise capacity will be assessed at six months post hospital discharge. Discussion: Despite recommendations regarding the importance of ACT for individuals with bronchiectasis during an acute exacerbation, there is a gap in the literature regarding effectiveness of ACT when undertaken by individuals in this clinical state. This study will add to the evidence base regarding the effectiveness of commonly implemented ACTs during a hospital admission with an exacerbation of bronchiectasis. Additionally, it will contribute to knowledge of the long term effects on important and patient-centred outcomes, including incidence of future exacerbations, and HRQOL, which has not been previously established. Trial registration Registered on the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12621000428864). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Respiratory involvement defines the clinical outcome of neuromuscular diseases (NMD). The lung clearance index (LCI) is a marker of lung ventilation inhomogeneity and indicates small airway disease. It is determined by mulitple breath washout lung function (MBW). The merit of LCI is undisputed for primary lung diseases like cystic fibrosis, but its role in NMD is unclear. Methods We investigated the role of MBW in patients with NMD and the effect of two different tracer gases and cough assist devices on the LCI. Patients and controls performed MBW with nitrogen (N2) and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), whereas the latter analysis was repeated after the use of a cough assist device in the NMD group. LCI was compared to forced vital capacity (FVC) and peak cough flow (PCF). Results 24 NMD patients (12 Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, 8 Spinal Muscular Atrophy, 4 other NMDs) and 15 healthy controls were enrolled. In the NMD group, overall LCI N2 was higher than LCI SF6 (9.67 ± 1.56 vs. 8.71 ± 1.47; mean ± SD; p