3 Airway Clearance Techniques in Non Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis

A Comparative Study of Three Airway Clearance Techniques With Different Autonomy Degrees in Non Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis: Randomized Cross-over Trial.

Study design: a randomized, crossover trial. Each patient performed three different airway clearance techniques (Autogenic drainage, slow expiratory with glottis opened in lateral posture [ELTGOL], temporary- positive expiratory pressure [T-PEP] with not similar autonomy degree in a randomized order. Each technique were applied in 3 sessions during one week at alternate days (Monday /Wednesday/Friday or Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday). The time spent in each bronchial session was 40 minutes. Seven days were the wash-out time period between the different techniques.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. - Non Cystic Fibrosis bronchiectasis diagnosed by High Resolution Computed Tomographic
2. - Mean sputum production ≥ 15 ml /24h
3. - Clinical stability in the last 6 weeks
4. - Not carrying out regular chest physiotherapy
5. - Forced expiratory volume in 1 second ≥ 30% pred. ; Forced Vital Capacity ≥ 45% pred. and peak expiratory flow >270 L/s

Exclusion Criteria:

1. - Smoker or non-smoker form less than 2 years
2. - Cystic fibrosis
3. - Active tuberculosis or sarcoidosis