Effect of the chest high-frequency oscillations on lung function in pulmonary diseases

Abstract

Summary. Mucociliary clearance (MCC) and thoracic muscles are defensive mechanisms which provide effective functioning of respiratory system. Usually, respiratory failure is associated with disorders of MCC and respiratory muscles, primarily due to hyperinflation of the lungs. Medication therapy can not successfully improve these changes. Chest high-frequency oscillation could enhance the airway clearance and decrease lung hyperinflation. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of the chest high-frequency oscillation methods on functional status of patients with pulmonary diseases. This open comparative study involved 3 groups of patients: 10 patient with bronchiectasis (the 1st group; mean age, 55.5 ± 39.0 years), 11 patients with COPD (the 2nd group, 66.2 ± 7.0 years), and 12 patients with COPD as controls (the 3rd group, 60.4 ± 8.6 years). Apart from the standard medication therapy, the 1st and the 2nd groups were treated with chest high-frequency compression device VEST, the 3rd group was administered standard drug treatment only. Lung function using spirometry and body plethysmography, dyspnea, cough and sputum production using the modified MRC scale were measured during the first and the final visits. The treatment with VEST device led to significant improvement in lung function (FEV1 increased by 9.9 % and 5.7 % in the 1st and the 2nd groups, respectively, FVC increased by 7.7 % and 5 %, respectively, RV decreased by 4.6 % and 10 %, respectively). In the 3rd group patients, significant improvement was noted only for FVC by 3 %. Also, dyspnea, cough and sputum production improved more markedly in groups treated with VEST device. Therefore, vibration and compression applied on the chest could improve MCC and lung hyperinflation.