The effects of high frequency chest wall oscillation implementation in patients with cyctic fibrosis

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects and personal use of short-term high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) implementation in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Nine clinically stable patients with CF (mean age:15.0 ± 3.9 years) were enrolled in the study. HFCWO implementation was performed 15 sessions, daily for 30 minutes. Respiratory function and functional exercise capacity (6-minute walk test) of patients were assessed before and after treatment. Patients’ treatment methods that applied previously and preferences between the applied methods, their opinions about satisfaction level and the treatment efficacy of HFCWO implementation according to the visual analog scale were recorded. There were not statistically significant difference in pulmonary function test and 6-minute walk test distance before and after treatment (p>0.05). However, there was a significant increase in flow rate of 25-75% of vital capacity - percent values of patients after treatment (p<0.05). According to visual analogue scale, HFCWO treatment satisfaction of patients was 6.7±3.2 points, implementation efficacy was 6.9±3.3 points. HFCWO method was first preference among airway clearance techniques in 87.5% of patients. Pulmonary functions and functional capacity is preserved after the HFCWO implementation. HFCWO is a method preferred by our patients, which is satisfactory and effective. Long term high-quality randomized controlled trials that will be carried out on larer samples about this topic will shed light on physiotherapists and patients’ families about the importance of HFCWO in airway clearance techniques.