190 Patient perceptions of physiotherapy and the role of airway clearance techniques within an adult cystic fibrosis clinic

Abstract

Introduction: Nowadays modern physiotherapy has proven to be an effective approach to Cystic Fibrosis treatment although many patients still had a tendency to continue with conventional therapies. Objective: To describe which method of the Airway Clearance Techniques (ACT) patients perform and to know if they had incorporated exercise as a part of their treatment. Methods: Cross sectional, observational study. Data of physiotherapy techniques (ACT, exercise and Inhaled Therapy) were collected. Results: There were 110 patients attended in our clinic. From these, 101 patients (92%) perform some kind of ACT. 30 (27.2%) perform MPD /C (Modified Postural Drainage and Chest Compression), 29 (26.3%) prefer PD/Pc (postural drainage and percussion), 36 (32.7%) ACBT (active cycle of breathing technique) and 12 (10.9%) PEP (Positive Expiratory Pressure) and Osc. PEP (Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure) with other techniques. Only 39 patients (35.4%) were daily assisted by a physiotherapist. 88 patients were able to perform exercise according to their age, although 70 (79.5%) usually do. Related to inhaled therapy, 84 of 110 patients (76.3%) use DNase and 42 (38.1%) Hypertonic Saline. Conclusions: Although many patients still prefer PD/ Pc, a considerable number of them had incorporated modern physiotherapy. A great number of patients had understood the importance of an active life and they perform some type of sport or exercise according to the child’s age and abilities.