High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillations Versus ACBT With Percussion in COPD Patients
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v6i2.1934Keywords:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; airway clearance; active cycle of breathing technique; high-frequency chest wall oscillation; spirometry; 6-minute walk test.Abstract
Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is characterized by persistent airflow limitation and impaired mucociliary clearance, and airway clearance strategies are commonly used in physiotherapy-based COPD management to reduce secretion burden and improve functional status. Objective: To compare the effects of High-Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO) versus Active Cycle of Breathing Technique (ACBT) with percussion on pulmonary function and functional capacity in adults with advanced COPD. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted at the Pulmonary Department, DHQ Hospital Narowal. Eligible adults with GOLD stage III–IV COPD were randomized to ACBT with percussion (n=19) or HFCWO via vest therapy (n=19). Both groups received 12 sessions over 4 weeks (3 sessions/week). Outcomes were assessed at baseline and week 4, including FEV1% predicted, 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale (mMRC), and BMI. Parametric tests were applied following normality checks. Results: At week 4, HFCWO showed superior outcomes versus ACBT for FEV1% predicted (67.79±12.73 vs 53.89±9.30; mean difference +13.90, 95% CI 6.56 to 21.24; p<0.001) and 6MWD (409.47±108.25 vs 346.47±45.01; mean difference +63.00, 95% CI 8.45 to 117.55; p=0.025). Differences in mMRC (p=0.247) and BMI (p=0.124) were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Over four weeks, HFCWO produced greater improvements in airflow and walking capacity than ACBT with percussion in advanced COPD, while dyspnea and BMI did not differ significantly at the endpoint.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Anam Shahzadi, Farwa Shahid, Maham Saleem, M. Usama Islam
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