Postural Drianage with Active Cycle Breathing Teachnique in Patients with Adult Pneumonia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v5i6.1927Keywords:
Postural drainage; Pneumonia; Active cycle breathing technique; CASA-Q; Oxygen saturation.Abstract
Background: Pneumonia commonly causes impaired gas exchange and secretion retention leading to hypoxemia and increased symptom burden. Chest physiotherapy interventions such as postural drainage and Active Cycle Breathing Technique (ACBT) aim to enhance secretion clearance and improve oxygenation. Objective: To determine the comparative effectiveness of postural drainage alone versus postural drainage combined with ACBT on oxygen saturation, radiographic severity, and sputum-related outcomes in adults with pneumonia. Methods: A randomized controlled trial enrolled 32 adults with pneumonia (n=16 per group). Group A received postural drainage alone and Group B received postural drainage plus ACBT for 12 supervised sessions over 4 weeks (3 sessions/week). Outcomes were pulse oximetry (SpO₂), chest X-ray severity score, and Cough and Sputum Assessment Questionnaire (CASA-Q), recorded at baseline and week 4. Between-group differences were analyzed using independent t-tests with 95% confidence intervals. Results: Baseline outcomes were comparable (all p>0.05). At week 4, Group B achieved higher SpO₂ (91.12±2.47 vs 85.68±3.28; mean difference 5.44; 95% CI 3.34 to 7.54; p<0.001), lower chest X-ray severity (2.00±0.63 vs 4.68±0.79; mean difference −2.68; 95% CI −3.20 to −2.16; p<0.001), and higher CASA-Q scores (57.12±9.46 vs 46.06±7.62; mean difference 11.06; 95% CI 4.85 to 17.27; p=0.001). Conclusion: Postural drainage improved clinical outcomes, but adding ACBT produced significantly greater improvements in oxygenation, radiographic severity, and sputum-related symptom burden.
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