Two sessions of CPT (morning and afternoon, 20 minutes each) were conducted. The CPT session consisted of modified postural drainage, assisted cough technique, positive expiratory pressure and chest percussion, vibration. The appointed therapist performed pulmonary auscultation and thoracic palpation to assess the status of pulmonary ventilation and secretion retention, and whether the patient's cough ability can complete effective airway clearance. Individualized program was formed according to the assessment, internal guidelines, the patient's tolerance, education level, and patient's preference prior to the randomization. All CPT sessions were performed by the same physiotherapist to avoid potential bias.

EIT-guided group: Similar to the patients in the Control group, the CPT techniques were predefined for the patients according to the assessment prior to the randomization. For each CPT session, EIT measurement was conducted and the images were used to guide the CPT treatments. The uses of EIT to guide individual treatments are briefly described as follows.

Two sessions of CPT (morning and afternoon, 20 minutes each) were conducted. The CPT session consisted of modified postural drainage, assisted cough technique , positive expiratory pressure and chest percussion, vibration. The appointed therapist performed pulmonary auscultation and thoracic palpation to assess the status of pulmonary ventilation and secretion retention, and whether the patient's cough ability can complete effective airway clearance. Individualized program was formed according to the assessment, internal guidelines, the patient's tolerance, education level, and patient's preference prior to the randomization. All CPT sessions were performed by the same physiotherapist to avoid potential bias.