Positive Expiratory Pressure Device Research Articles

Effectiveness of TheraPEP Versus Conventional Breathing Techniques in Managing Acute COPD Exacerbations

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, often complicated by acute exacerbations that impair lung function and quality of life. Effective airway clearance techniques are essential in managing exacerbations, but the comparative effectiveness of different methods remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term effectiveness of TheraPEP, a positive expiratory pressure (PEP) device, versus the Active Cycle of Breathing Technique (ACBT) in managing acute COPD exacerbations. Methods: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted with 60 patients (≥40 years) admitted with acute exacerbations of COPD. Participants were randomly assigned to either the TheraPEP group (n=30) or the ACBT group (n=30). Each group received three daily sessions of their assigned therapy throughout their hospital stay. Primary outcomes included dyspnea, measured by the modified Borg Dyspnea Scale, and secondary outcomes included sputum clearance, lung function (FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC ratio), oxygen saturation (SpO₂), and quality of life, measured by the Breathlessness, Cough, and Sputum Scale (BCSS). Data were collected at baseline, discharge, and 14-day follow-up. A two-way repeated-measures ANOVA was used to examine changes in dyspnea, lung function, sputum clearance, SpO₂, and BCSS scores over time (baseline, discharge, and 14-day follow-up) within and between groups. The main effects of time (within-subject factor) and group (between-subject factor) were assessed, along with the interaction effects (time × group). Results: Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in dyspnea, lung function, and quality of life from baseline to discharge and follow-up. However, the TheraPEP group showed significantly greater improvements in sputum clearance (p=0.01), oxygen saturation (p=0.03), and BCSS scores (p=0.03) compared to the ACBT group. No significant between-group differences were found for FEV1, FVC, or FEV1/FVC ratio (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Both TheraPEP and ACBT are effective in managing acute COPD exacerbations, but TheraPEP offers additional benefits in terms of sputum clearance and oxygenation. These findings suggest that TheraPEP may be more suitable for patients with severe mucus hypersecretion. Further research is warranted to assess the long-term effects of these therapies on COPD progression and patient outcomes.

Effect of OPEP on lung recruitment and gas distribution in post-surgery patients: A pilot study

BackgroundOscillatory positive expiratory pressure (OPEP) devices are airway clearance tools generating positive pressure, yet evidence supporting their efficacy post-surgery for lung recruitment and gas distribution is limited. ObjectivesInvestigate OPEP's impact on lung recruitment and gas distribution using Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) in post-surgery patients. Methods26 ICU-extubated patients post-major surgery used OPEP at five levels with EIT monitoring. Primary outcome: change in end-expiratory lung impedance (ΔEELI) post-OPEP; secondary outcomes: global inhomogeneity index (GI), respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and heart rate. ResultsSignificant ΔEELI increase during OPEP versus baseline, correlating with OPEP level. ROI3 (mid-dorsal lung) exhibited highest ΔEELI. Oxygen saturation improved post-OPEP. ConclusionsOPEP effectively increased end-expiratory lung volume post-major surgery, notably in mid-dorsal regions, enhancing short-term oxygenation.

Augmented Biphasic Breathing Using Sniff and an Oral Positive Expiratory Pressure Device (Sniff-PEP) in Fontan Patients.

The use of an oral positive expiratory pressure device (oPEP) with sniff breathing (Sniff-PEP) mimics biphasic ventilation. Biphasic ventilation increases pulmonary blood flow and cardiac output in Fontan patients. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Sniff-PEP on Fontan flow velocities. A single-center, pilot, prospective study was carried out in 15 subjects with Fontan circulation enrolled to use the oPEP device for 1month. Subjects were instructed on Sniff-PEP and to use the device for 10-15min 3-4 times a day. Measurements of flow velocity and cardiac output were measured via echocardiogram and quality of life assessments were performed at baseline and 4-6weeks later. The mean age at enrollment was 19.9 ± 8.7years (age range of 10-37years). 7 patients (47%) had dominant left ventricle and 8 (53%) had an open fenestration. There was a statistically significant increase in flow velocities in the hepatic vein from 27.5 ± 7.6 to 35.1 ± 11.3cm/s (p = 0.003), left pulmonary artery from 51.6 ± 16.6 to 57.6 ± 21.1cm/s (p = 0.01), and right pulmonary artery from 43.1 ± 14.2 to 45.8 ± 17.2cm/s (p = 0.04). With chronic use, the mean fenestration gradient slightly decreased from 4.5 ± 1.6 to 4.1 ± 1.9mmHg but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.14). oPEP device therapy increased flow velocity in several areas in the Fontan circulation with acute use. Further studies are needed to assess the effects long term.Clinical Trial Registration: URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT03251742.

P474 A simple, low-cost positive expiratory pressure device has good satisfaction and improves ease of expectoration in people with cystic fibrosis in Brazil

P474 A simple, low-cost positive expiratory pressure device has good satisfaction and improves ease of expectoration in people with cystic fibrosis in Brazil

CSP2023: 266 - A prospective study to identify the benefits of using an oscillatory positive expiratory pressure device in the management of bronchiectasis

CSP2023: 266 - A prospective study to identify the benefits of using an oscillatory positive expiratory pressure device in the management of bronchiectasis

Nebulized hypertonic saline and positive expiratory pressure device use in patients with bronchiectasis: Analysis from the United States Bronchiectasis and NTM research registry

BackgroundNebulized Hypertonic saline (HS) and positive expiratory pressure device (PEP) are often used in patients with bronchiectasis. We sought to describe the clinical characteristics in patients using HS and PEP, utilizing a large national database registry. MethodsData from the US Bronchiectasis and NTM Research Registry were used in this study. Patients with a diagnosis of bronchiectasis were included. Eligible patients were assigned to one of four mutually exclusive groups: HS only, PEP only, HS & PEP, or no airway clearance or mucoactive agent. Descriptive statistics were computed for the overall study population and stratified by the four groups. One-way ANOVA and chi-square tests were used to test the difference in the means in continuous variables and the association between categorical variables (respectively) across the four groups. ResultsA total of 2195 patients were included. Of those with bronchiectasis and a productive cough, a greater number of patients utilized HS only vs PEP only (17.5 % vs 9.1 %, p < 0.001). Similar association was found in those with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (22.3 % HS only vs 6.5 % PEP only, p < 0.001). There was a higher number of patients who used HS and PEP therapy in combination vs PEP therapy alone (25.0 % vs 9.1 %, p = 0.002), in those with a productive cough. ConclusionsIn patients with bronchiectasis and a productive cough or Pseudomonas aeruginosa, HS is used more often than PEP alone. There is a need for further analysis to compare these two modalities and explore the factors influencing their utilization.

Efficacy of Bubble Positive Expiratory Pressure Device in Post Thoracic Surgery Patients

Efficacy of Bubble Positive Expiratory Pressure Device in Post Thoracic Surgery Patients

Short-term effects of positive expiratory pressure mask on ventilation inhomogeneity in children with cystic fibrosis: A randomized, sham-controlled crossover study.

Can physiotherapy with a positive expiratory pressure (PEP) mask improve peripheral ventilation inhomogeneity, a typical feature of children with cystic fibrosis (cwCF)? To answer this question, we used the nitrogen multiple-breath washout (N2MBW) test to measure diffusion-convection-dependent inhomogeneity arising within the intracinar compartment (Sacin*VT). For this randomized, sham-controlled crossover trial, two N2MBW tests were performed near the hospital discharge date: one before and the other after PEP mask therapy (1 min of breathing through a flow-dependent PEP device attached to a face mask, followed by three huffs and one cough repeated 10 times) by either a standard (10-15 cmH20) or a sham (<5 cmH20) procedure on two consecutive mornings. Deception entailed misinforming the subjects about the nature of the study; also the N2MBW operators were blinded to treatment allocation. Study outcomes were assessed with mixed-effect models. The study sample was 19 cwCF (ten girls), aged 11.4 (2.7) years. The adjusted Sacin*VT mean difference between the standard and the sham procedure was -0.015 (90% confidence interval [CI]: -∞ to 0.025) L-1. There was no statistically significant difference in Scond*VT and lung clearance index between the two procedures: -0.005 (95% CI: -0.019 to 0.01) L-1 and 0.49 (95% CI: -0.05 to 1.03) turnovers, respectively. Our findings do not support evidence for an immediate effect of PEP mask physiotherapy on Sacin*VT with pressure range 10-15 cmH20. Measurement with the N2MBW and the crossover design were found to be time-consuming and unsuitable for a short-term study of airway clearance techniques.

Use of the Lung Flute ECO to assist in sputum collection for tuberculosis testing: a randomised crossover trial.

The Lung Flute ECO, a self-powered, low-cost oscillatory positive expiratory pressure device, assisted people with presumptive tuberculosis to produce an adequate sputum volume for diagnostic testing and was well tolerated https://bit.ly/47sDq8W.

Effects of Acapella versus Blow Bottle Positive Expiratory Pressure on Airway Clearance and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate in Post-Covid-19 Patients

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant respiratory complications in affected individuals. Positive Expiratory Pressure (PEP) devices, specifically Acapella and blow bottle devices, have been widely used in respiratory rehabilitation, particularly in patients with pulmonary diseases and post-surgical respiratory complications. However, their efficacy in post COVID-19 patients has been less explored. Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Acapella and blow bottle devices in improving oxygen saturation, peak expiratory flow rate, shortness of breath, and six-minute walk distance in post COVID-19 patients. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted at Tehsil hospital Kot Addu over six months. Forty-eight post COVID-19 patients were divided equally into two groups: one group received treatment with the Acapella device, and the other with a blow bottle device. Baseline and post-treatment measurements of oxygen saturation, peak expiratory flow rate, and six-minute walk distance were recorded using a pulse oximeter, peak expiratory flow meter, and six-minute walk test, respectively. Results: On day 1, the Acapella group showed a mean oxygen saturation rank of 20.98 with a sum of ranks of 503.50 (p=0.79), while the Blow Bottle group had a mean rank of 28.02 and a sum of ranks of 672.50. By day 7, the Acapella group's mean rank was 17.31 (sum of ranks = 415.50, p=0.000) compared to the Blow Bottle group's 31.69 (sum of ranks = 760.50). For peak expiratory flow rate, no significant differences were found between the groups at day 1 (Acapella: mean rank = 28.06, sum of ranks = 673.50, p=0.078; Blow Bottle: mean rank = 20.94, sum of ranks = 502.50) and day 7 (Acapella: mean rank = 23.77, sum of ranks = 570.50, p=0.717; Blow Bottle: mean rank = 25.23, sum of ranks = 605.50). Similar trends were observed in the six-minute walk test results. Conclusion: The study found that both Acapella and blow bottle devices effectively improve oxygen saturation in post COVID-19 patients, but do not significantly affect peak expiratory flow rate, shortness of breath, and six-minute walk distance. These findings suggest that while these devices are beneficial for enhancing oxygenation, a more comprehensive respiratory rehabilitation approach is necessary for addressing the full spectrum of respiratory complications in post COVID-19 patients.

Impact of combined Russian current and threshold PEP on dyspnoea and functional capacity in patients with COPD: a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionExpiratory muscle weakness and dyspnoea are common in patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and negatively affect their exercise capacity. We aimed to highlight the combined effect of Russian current and a threshold positive expiratory pressure (PEP) device on expiratory muscle strength, dyspnoea, and functional capacity in patients with COPD.MethodsA total of 60 males with COPD were involved in this controlled randomised trial (age ranged 55–65 years and median body mass index [BMI] was 28.68–25.96) and randomly assigned into two equal groups (30 for each), to receive combined Russian current and PEP device (study group) or PEP device only (control group), for three sessions per week over a ten-week period. Maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), dyspnoea (modified Borg scale – MBS), and functional capacity (6-minute walk test) were assessed before and after the intervention.ResultsThere was statistically significant improvement in all measured variables (MEP, MBS, and 6-minute walk test) in either the study group or the control group according to Wilcoxon’s sign rank test (all were p &lt; 0.001 and p &lt; 0.01, respectively), however, the study group showed a more significant improvement compared to the control group according to the Mann–Whitney U-test (p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionsCombined Russian current and PEP device had a superior beneficial effect on improving dyspnoea and functional capacity by boosting the expiratory muscle strength in COPD patients, which could be implemented in their management, although further studies are needed to evaluate its maintenance effect.

The use of oscillatory positive expiratory pressure devices for voice therapy

Over the last three years, a variety of oscillatory positive expiratory pressure (OPEP) devices have been commonly used by voice therapist and trainers (e.g. Acapella Choice, Shaker Deluxe, Shaker Medic Plus, New Shaker), even if they were not originally created for voice-treatment purposes. OPEP are intended to be used by physiotherapists to mobilize secretions from the lower airway when treating excessive sputum or secretion retention. The mechanism of oscillatory OPEP is based on a continuous and rapid shuttering of airflow, which in turn produces modulation of the oral and tracheal air pressure as patients blows into them. People diagnosed with cystic fibrosis and neurogenic diseases are usually recommended using OPEP devices [1, 2]. OPEP devices are different from expiratory/inspiratory muscle strength training devices, which have no oscillatory mechanisms inside.

Comparison between biofeedback Acapella and biofeedback flutter devices in COPD: A new way to improve airway clearance

Introduction and Aim: In recent years, biofeedback systems have been integrated into a variety of devices. Biofeedback system is the process of gaining awareness of one's physiological functions by an apparatus which provides participants feedback of their performance. Respiratory training with a biofeedback system provides the correct breathing pattern, reduces respiratory rate and tension, enhances respiratory function, improves gaseous exchange, improves ventilation and perfusion mismatch. Therefore, it reduces sympathetic nervous system activity by clearing secretions. As clearing the mucous from the airways is the initial stage of respiratory rehabilitation, this study sought to implement a biofeedback system in an Acapella and flutter device and compared the effectiveness of both the positive expiratory pressure (PEP) devices (Acapella and Flutter) with biofeedback on lung functions in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.&#x0D; &#x0D; Materials and Methods: 30 patients were assigned randomly to the acapella group or the flutter group with 15 patients in each group. The Acapella biofeedback group used the Biofeedback Acapella device for 15-20 minutes per day for five days, while the Flutter biofeedback group used the Biofeedback Flutter device simultaneously.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results: The biofeedback acapella group and the biofeedback flutter group showed significantly higher increases in forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and oxygen saturation (SpO2). There was no significant difference between the groups. In addition, there was a significant difference in sputum weight, within both the groups reducing significant amounts of sputum and improving symptoms.&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion: These results suggest that both Biofeedback Acapella device and the Biofeedback Flutter device help in improving lung function and oxygen saturation in COPD patients. Further scientific studies are needed to be performed to confirm the results and to determine the optimal durations and frequencies used in these devices. We also recommend further improvement and development of airway clearance devices.

A Comparison of the Effects of Phonation into a Positive Expiratory Pressure Device and Silicone Tube in Water on the Vocal Mechanism

A Comparison of the Effects of Phonation into a Positive Expiratory Pressure Device and Silicone Tube in Water on the Vocal Mechanism

Modified forced expiration technique using expiratory resistance in adults with cystic fibrosis.

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. 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. 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. 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.

Breathing better: A tech-monitored study of positive expiratory pressure and reading aloud for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Breathing exercises, such as diaphragmatic breathing and positive expiratory pressure (PEP), relieve breathlessness in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study aimed to investigate the effects of breathing exercises with PEP and reading aloud on vital signs, fatigue level, severity of dyspnoea and respiratory function parameters in patients with COPD. The study followed a randomized controlled trial of COPD patients from a single hospital in eastern Turkey. The study included 103 patients who were randomly assigned to receive pre-reading exercises, breathing exercises with a PEP device or no intervention for 8 weeks. The use of a PEP device improved oxygen saturation, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1 ) and FEV1 /forced vital capacity (FVC) values and reduced fatigue and dyspnoea severity. Reading aloud lowered the mean arterial pressure and reduced fatigue and dyspnoea severity. The study concludes that PEP devices and reading aloud can improve respiratory function in patients with COPD. Additionally, reading aloud is an accessible, easy-to-implement and economically feasible method for treating COPD symptoms.

Impact of Aerobika® oscillating positive expiratory pressure in improving small airway resistance, lung function, symptoms and exercise capacity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Aerobika® oscillating positive expiratory pressure (OPEP) device promotes airway clearance in many respiratory diseases. However, studies have yet to focus on its effectiveness in improving small airway resistance via impulse oscillometry (IOS) measurement in COPD subjects. We aim to evaluate the improvement of small airway resistance (via IOS), lung function (spirometry), exercise capacity [via 6-min walking test (6MWT)], symptoms [COPD assessment test (CAT)] and severe exacerbation events among COPD subjects using Aerobika® OPEP. This was a prospective, single-arm interventional study among COPD subjects with small airway disease. Subjects were instructed to use twice daily Aerobika® OPEP (10 min each session); for 24 weeks; as an additional to standard therapy. IOS, spirometry, 6MWT, CAT score and severe exacerbation events were evaluated at baseline, 12 weeks and 24 weeks. Fifty-three subjects completed the study. Aerobika® usage showed improvement of IOS parameters; e.g. measurement of airway resistance at 5 Hz (R5), cmH20/L/s, (12-week p = 0.008, 24-week p < 0.001), R5% predicted (12-week p = 0.007, 24-week p < 0.001) and small airway resistance (R5-R20), cmH20/L/s, (12-week p = 0.021, 24-week p < 0.001). There were improvement of lung function; e.g. FEV1, L (12-week p = 0.018, 24-week p = 0.001), FEV1% predicted (12-week p = 0.025, 24-week p = 0.001), FEF25-75, L (12-week p = 0.023, 24-week p = 0.002), and FEF25-75% predicted (12-week p = 0.024, 24-week p < 0.001). CAT score improved at 12 weeks (p < 0.001) and 24 weeks (p < 0.001). Subjects had improved exercise capacity (6MWT, metres) after 24 weeks (p = 0.016). However, there was no significant difference in severe exacerbation events 24 weeks before and after Aerobika® usage. Aerobika® OPEP demonstrated significant improvement in small airway resistance as early as 12 weeks of usage, with sustained improvement at 24 weeks. Aerobika® OPEP administration had significantly improved lung function, 6MWT, and CAT scores over 24 weeks. There was no difference in severe exacerbation events.

P423 A low-cost positive expiratory pressure device for people with cystic fibrosis in developing countries

Positive expiratory pressure (PEP) is a commonly used airway clearance technique, involving breathing against an expiratory pressure of 10 to 20 cmH2O. PEP temporarily increases functional residual capacity and allows an increased volume of air to accumulate behind airway obstructions, promoting the movement of secretions towards the large airways. The cost of PEP devices can prohibit their widespread use in developing countries, therefore a simple, low-cost PEP was designed and manufactured for this purpose, and pressure and flow were tested.

Effectiveness of the use of an oscillating positive expiratory pressure device in bronchiectasis with frequent exacerbations: a single-arm pilot study.

Impaired airway clearance in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis causes frequent bacterial infection, chronic inflammation, and progressive tissue destruction. We aimed to evaluate whether an oscillating positive expiratory pressure (OPEP) device could allow effective sputum expectoration and prevent acute exacerbations in patients with bronchiectasis who had frequent acute exacerbations. This open-label, single-arm, prospective study included 17 patients who experienced three or more acute exacerbations in the past year. We evaluated the prevention of acute exacerbations, subjective symptom improvement, and change in sputum amount during the use of the Aerobika (Trudell Medical International, London, ON) OPEP device twice daily for 6 months. Of all enrolled patients, only two acute exacerbations occurred during the study period, indicating a significant decrease compared with the number of acute exacerbations before the device use (p < 0.001). Additionally, Bronchiectasis Health Questionnaire score changed from 58.7 to 66.6, showing significant improvement over the treatment period (p < 0.001). The largest sputum volume was observed 3 months after OPEP device use (baseline: 10 ml, 3rd month 25 ml, p = 0.325). There were no major adverse events related to the use of OPEP devices. Twice-daily physiotherapy with OPEP device in patients with bronchiectasis who have frequent exacerbations may facilitate symptomatic improvement and prevention of acute exacerbations without serious adverse events.

Conventional chest physiotherapy compared to other airway clearance techniques for cystic fibrosis.

Conventional chest physiotherapy compared to other airway clearance techniques for cystic fibrosis.