Effects of Manual Positive End Expiratory Pressure and Non-invasive Continuous Positive Air Pressure in COPD Patients

Comparative Effects of Manual Positive End Expiratory Pressure and Non Invasive Continuous Air Pressure in COPD Patients

This randomized clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of Manual Positive End Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) and Non-Invasive Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). A total of 42 patients will be randomly assigned to two groups: one receiving manual PEEP therapy and the other receiving CPAP therapy, over a 4-week period. The primary goal is to assess and compare improvements in respiratory rate, oxygen saturation (SpO₂), and patient-reported breathlessness and comfort using standardized tools such as pulse oximetry, digital spirometry, the Borg dyspnea scale, and the COPD Assessment Test. The study is designed as a single-blind randomized trial and will be conducted at Imran Idrees and Allama Iqbal Memorial Hospitals in Sialkot. The outcomes are expected to guide better non-invasive management strategies for COPD patients to enhance clinical outcomes and quality of life.

This randomized clinical trial investigates the comparative effectiveness of Manual Positive End Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) and Non-Invasive Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD is a progressive respiratory condition characterized by airflow limitation, leading to breathlessness, decreased exercise tolerance, and frequent hospitalizations. Non-invasive ventilation techniques such as PEEP and CPAP are widely used to manage respiratory symptoms and improve lung function in these patients, but direct comparisons of their efficacy remain limited.

A total of 42 patients with Stage 3 or 4 COPD, aged over 40 years, will be enrolled and randomly assigned to two groups:

Group A will receive manual PEEP therapy

Group B will receive non-invasive CPAP therapy

The intervention will last four weeks, and all patients will receive baseline treatment in the form of Active Cycle of Breathing Techniques (ACBTs). The study will be conducted at Imran Idrees Teaching Hospital and Allama Iqbal Memorial Hospital, Sialkot.

Primary outcome measures include improvements in:

Oxygen saturation (SpO₂)

Respiratory rate

Patient-reported breathlessness (using the Borg scale)

Quality of life and symptom severity (using the COPD Assessment Test)

Data collection tools include pulse oximetry, digital spirometry (for FEV₁, FVC, PEF), and standardized questionnaires. The study uses a single-blind design, where the assessor is blinded to the group allocation.

The purpose is to determine which intervention-manual PEEP or CPAP-offers superior clinical outcomes, patient comfort, and symptom relief. Findings from this research aim to support evidence-based decision-making for non-invasive COPD management in clinical settings.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age>40years old
• SevereCOPDpatients with Stage 3 & 4 according to Gold Criteria
• Notcurrently experiencing an acute exacerbation.
• Baseline Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1) < 70% of predicted
• Ability to provide informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Othersignificant respiratory diseases (e.g., asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis)
• Invasive mechanical ventilation
• Pregnant or Breastfeeding women
• Cardiac arrhythmias or instability