Efficacy of an oscillating positive expiratory pressure device in patients with Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease.

Patients with Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease (MAC-PD) often suffer from chronic symptoms such as sputum production, which reduces quality of life. Oscillatory positive expiratory pressure (OPEP) devices are used in physiotherapy to promote the clearance of respiratory secretions. We report two cases of improved lung function and improved scores on the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) and the Breathlessness, Cough and Sputum Scale (BCSS) after the use of OPEP in patients with MAC-PD where treatment with guideline-based therapy, including amikacin liposome inhalation suspension, had proved ineffective for symptoms. Use of OPEP might maximize the efficacy of therapy and thereby improves outcomes in patients with MAC-PD. It is important to use both guideline-based therapy and OPEP, especially in patients whose health-related quality of life is affected by sputum symptoms. Further prospective studies are warranted to assess the benefit of adding OPEP to guidelines concerning therapy for patients with MAC-PD and sputum symptoms.

[Research on portable airway impedance monitoring device based on expiratory oscillation].

Monitoring airway impedance has significant clinical value in accurately assessing and diagnosing pulmonary function diseases at an early stage. To address the issue of large oscillator size and high power consumption in current pulmonary function devices, this study adopts a new strategy of expiration-driven oscillation. A lightweight and low-power airway impedance monitoring system with integrated sensing, control circuitry, and dynamic feedback system, providing visual feedback on the system's status, was developed. The respiratory impedance measurement experiments and statistical comparisons indicated that the system could achieve stable measurement of airway impedance at 5 Hz. The frequency spectrum curves of respiratory impedance ( R and X) showed consistent trends with those obtained from the clinical pulmonary function instrument, specifically the impulse oscillometry system (IOS). The differences between them were all less than 1.1 cm H 2O·s/L. Additionally, there was a significant statistical difference in the respiratory impedance R5 between the exercise and rest groups, which suggests that the system can measure the variability of airway resistance parameters during exercise. Therefore, the impedance monitoring system developed in this study supports subjects in performing handheld, continuous measurements of dynamic changes in airway impedance over an extended period of time. This research provides a foundation for further developing low-power, portable, and even wearable devices for dynamic monitoring of pulmonary function.

Different chest HRCT scan protocols change the extent of ground glass opacities.

BACKGROUND: Ground glass opacity (GGO) is the main HRCT feature representing alveolitis in systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD), but may also represent other conditions such as atelectasis or edema. It is unclear how much this is affected by the HRCT scan protocol used. We aimed to compare the performance of three different HRCT protocols to evaluate the degree of SSc-ILD related changes. METHODS: Eleven patients with SSc underwent chest HRCT scan by three different protocols: First, a supine scan after lying down for 15 minutes, then two scans in alternating order: A prone position scan, and a supine position scan after performing 10 deep breaths using a positive expiratory pressure (PEP) device. The HRCT scans were evaluated by the Warrick score system for ILD-related findings. RESULTS: The three HRCT protocols were compared and resulted in different mean (95% CI) Warrick scores: 9.4 (5.3-13.4) in supine after rest; 7.5 (95% CI 3.8-11.1) in prone and 7.6 (95% CI 4.2-11.1) in supine after PEP. When comparing supine after rest to prone and supine after PEP, the latter two scans had a significantly lower score (p = 0.001 for both comparisons). In all cases, only sub-scores for ground glass opacities differed, while sub-scores for fibrosis-related changes did not change. CONCLUSIONS: Different HRCT scan protocols significantly altered the Warrick severity score for SSc-ILD findings, primarily because of changes in ground glass opacities. These differences may be clinically meaningful.

Positive Expiratory Pressure Oxygen Therapy for Respiratory Distress: A Single-arm Feasibility Trial.

Background: Oxygen delivery devices with positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) valves have been described, but high inspiratory flows may lead to poor tolerance in tachypneic patients. Positive expiratory pressure oxygen therapy (PEP-OT) using an occlusive face mask, oxygen reservoir, and PEEP valve has not been evaluated in clinical settings. Materials and methods: In a single-arm intervention trial, patients aged 19-55 years admitted with acute respiratory illness with oxygen support were enrolled. PEP-OT trial was given with PEEP of 5 and 7 cm of water over 45 minutes. Feasibility was assessed as uninterrupted completion of the PEP-OT trial. The effects of PEP-OT on cardiopulmonary physiology and adverse effects of therapy were recorded. Results: Fifteen patients (6 males) were enrolled. Fourteen patients had pneumonia and one patient had pulmonary edema. Twelve patients (80%) completed the PEP-OT trial. There was significant improvement in respiratory rate (RR) and heart rate (HR) at the end of the 45-minute PEP-OT trial (p-values 0.048 and 0.003, respectively). There was a trend toward improved SpO2 and perceived dyspnea. None of the patients developed desaturation, shock, or air leaks. Positive expiratory pressure oxygen therapy is a feasible oxygen therapy in patients with acute hypoxia. Conclusion: Positive expiratory pressure oxygen therapy seems to be safe and has a positive impact on respiratory mechanics in parenchymal respiratory pathology. How to cite this article: Dhochak N, Ray A, Soneja M, Wig N, Kabra SK, Lodha R. Positive Expiratory Pressure Oxygen Therapy for Respiratory Distress: A Single-arm Feasibility Trial. Indian J Crit Care Med 2022;26(11):1169-1174.

Finding Cost-effective Solutions: Need of the Hour.

How to cite this article: Patil VP, Rajput A. Finding Cost-effective Solutions: Need of the Hour. Indian J Crit Care Med 2022;26(11):1163-1164.

A short-term evaluation of a prototype disposable Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) device in a cohort of children with cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) devices are important adjuncts to airway clearance therapy in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Current devices are typically reusable and require daily, or often more frequent, cleaning to prevent risk of infection by acting as reservoirs of potentially pathogenic organisms. In response, a daily disposable OPEP device, the UL-OPEP, was developed to mitigate the risk of contamination and eliminate the burdensome need for cleaning devices. METHODS: A convenience sample of 36 participants, all current OPEP device users, was recruited from a paediatric CF service. For one month, participants replaced their current OPEP device with a novel daily disposable device. Assessment included pre- and post-intervention lung function by spirometry, as well as Lung Clearance Index. Quality of life was assessed using the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire - Revised, while user experience was evaluated with a post-study survey. RESULTS: 31 participants completed the study: 18 males; median age 10 years, range 4-16 years. Lung function (mean difference ± SD, %FEV1 = 1.69 ± 11.93; %FVC = 0.58 ± 10.04; FEV1: FVC = 0.01 ± 0.09), LCI (mean difference ± SD, 0.08 ± 1.13), six-minute walk test, and CFQ-R were unchanged post-intervention. Participant-reported experiences of the device were predominantly positive. CONCLUSIONS: The disposable OPEP device maintained patients' lung function during short term use (≤ 1 month), and was the subject of positive feedback regarding functionality while reducing the risk of airway contamination associated with ineffective cleaning. REGISTRATION: The study was approved as a Clinical Investigation by the Irish Health Products Regulatory Authority (CRN-2209025-CI0085).

Positive expiratory pressure improves arterial and cerebral oxygenation in acute normobaric and hypobaric hypoxia.

Positive expiratory pressure (PEP) has been shown to limit hypoxia-induced reduction in arterial oxygen saturation, but its effectiveness on systemic and cerebral adaptations, depending on the type of hypoxic exposure [normobaric (NH) versus hypobaric (HH)], remains unknown. Thirteen healthy volunteers completed three randomized sessions consisting of 24-h exposure to either normobaric normoxia (NN), NH (inspiratory oxygen fraction, FiO2 = 13.6%; barometric pressure, BP = 716 mmHg; inspired oxygen partial pressure, PiO2 = 90.9 ± 1.0 mmHg), or HH (3,450 m, FiO2 = 20.9%, BP = 482 mmHg, PiO2 = 91.0 ± 0.6 mmHg). After the 6th and the 22nd hours, participants breathed quietly through a facemask with a 10-cmH2O PEP for 2 × 5 min interspaced with 5 min of free breathing. Arterial (SpO2, pulse oximetry), quadriceps, and cerebral (near-infrared spectroscopy) oxygenation, middle cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAv; transcranial Doppler), ventilation, and cardiovascular responses were recorded continuously. SpO2without PEP was significantly lower in HH (87 ± 4% on average for both time points, P < 0.001) compared with NH (91 ± 3%) and NN (97 ± 1%). PEP breathing did not change SpO2 in NN but increased it similarly in NH and HH (+4.3 ± 2.5 and +4.7 ± 4.1% after 6h; +3.5 ± 2.2 and +4.1 ± 2.9% after 22h, both P < 0.001). Although MCAv was reduced by PEP (in all sessions and at all time points, -6.0 ± 4.2 cm/s on average, P < 0.001), the cerebral oxygenation was significantly improved (P < 0.05) with PEP in both NH and HH, with no difference between conditions. These data indicate that PEP could be an attractive nonpharmacological means to improve arterial and cerebral oxygenation under both normobaric and hypobaric mild hypoxic conditions in healthy participants.

The effects of oscillating positive expiratory pressure therapy in adults with stable non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis: A systematic review.

Airway clearance techniques (ACTs) are recommended for patients with stable non-cystic fibrosis (non-CF) bronchiectasis, but the efficacy of oscillating positive expiratory pressure (PEP) therapy compared to other techniques has not been reviewed. A systematic review of studies was conducted in stable patients comparing the effect of oscillating PEP therapy to other ACTs or a control condition. Data were extracted related to sputum expectoration, lung function, gas exchange, quality of life (QOL), symptoms, and exacerbation rate. Seven studies were included with a total of 146 patients, with a mean (SD) PEDro score of 7(1). Oscillating PEP therapy enhanced sputum expectoration compared to no treatment, but has equivalent benefits as the active cycle of breathing technique with gravity-assisted drainage (mean difference [95% CI] -2.8 g [-8.8 to 3.2 g]). Oscillating PEP has a similar effect as other ACTs on dynamic lung volumes, gas exchange and breathlessness. Use of oscillating PEP improved disease-specific QOL (p < 0.001) and cough-related QOL (p < 0.002) compared to no treatment but did not reduce exacerbation rate. In conclusion, in stable non-CF bronchiectasis, oscillating PEP therapy is associated with improvement in sputum expectoration and QOL compared to no treatment. Compared to other ACTs, the effect upon sputum expectoration, lung function, gas exchange, and symptoms are equivalent.

The Impact of Positive Expiratory Pressure Therapy on Hyperinflation in Patients With COPD.

BACKGROUND: Lung hyperinflation is a typical clinical feature of patients with COPD. Given the association between breathing at elevated lung volumes and the manifestation of severe debilitating symptoms, therapeutic interventions such as positive expiratory pressure (PEP) therapy and its variations (temporary, oscillatory) have been devised to mitigate lung hyperinflation. However, the efficacy of these interventions remains to be conclusively demonstrated. METHODS: A systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized trials was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Seven databases were screened with no date or language restriction. Two authors independently applied eligibility criteria and assessed the risk of bias of included studies using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Outcomes were lung hyperinflation measures detected through changes in inspiratory capacity (IC), functional residual capacity (FRC), total lung capacity (TLC), and residual volume (RV), as well as FEV1, FVC, dyspnea, and physical capacity. Pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) or mean differences (MDs) and 95% CI were calculated using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Seven trials, all with a high risk of bias, were included. Compared to control group, RV significantly decreased (4 studies, n = 231; SMD -0.42 [95% CI -0.77 to -0.08], P = .02), dyspnea improved (n = 321, SMD -1.17 [95% CI -1.68 to -0.66], P < .001), and physical capacity increased (5 studies, n = 311; MD 30.1 [95% CI 19.2-41.0] m, P < .001) with PEP therapy. There was no significant difference between PEP therapy and the control group in TLC, FVC, or FEV1. Only one study reported changes in inspiratory capacity as well as FRC. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with COPD, the effect of PEP therapy on lung hyperinflation is unclear owing to the non-consistent change in lung hyperinflation outcomes, insufficient data, and lack of high-quality trials. Dyspnea and physical capacity might improve with PEP therapy.

In Vitro Comparison of Aerosol Delivery in High-Frequency Assisted Airway Clearance Devices With Integrated Nebulizers.

BACKGROUND: High-frequency assisted airway clearance systems combine positive expiratory pressure or oscillatory positive airway pressure with integrated nebulizers to improve the delivery of aerosols and assist with airway clearance. This aerosol study evaluated lung delivery efficiency during positive expiratory pressure and oscillatory positive airway pressure therapy of 2 high-frequency assisted airway clearance/nebulizer systems. METHODS: Aerosol delivery was evaluated during positive expiratory pressure therapy of 10 cm H2O and oscillatory positive airway pressure therapy of 20 cm H2O with the BiWaze Clear and the Volara high-frequency assisted airway clearance/nebulizer systems. The handset and nebulizer were attached to an anatomic upper-airway model via a mouthpiece and placed into a plethysmograph. A tracheal filter was placed to capture the inhaled aerosol. A vacuum filter entrained fugitive aerosols from the plethysmograph. After nebulization of technetium in 3.0 mL normal saline solution, the components were scanned by using scintigraphy and the decay-corrected radiation counts were referenced to the initial nebulizer technetium charges. RESULTS: Aerosol delivery during positive expiratory pressure therapy of 10 cm H2O resulted in higher lung deposition with the BiWaze Clear versus the Volara (28 vs 6.2%; P < .001; 95% CI 16.5-27.7), and higher fugitive losses (23.7 vs 2.8%; P = .004) and nebulizer losses (55 vs 3.3%; P < .001) with the Volara than with the BiWaze Clear. Aerosol delivery during oscillatory positive airway pressure of 20 cm H2O resulted in a higher lung deposition with the BiWaze Clear versus the Volara (16.3 vs 7.3%; P = .005; 95% CI 3.3-15) and higher fugitive (22.3 vs 3.8%; P = .02) and nebulizer (58.8 vs 7.2%; P = .004) losses with the Volara. There were no differences at the other locations during testing. CONCLUSIONS: The BiWaze Clear system showed greater delivery efficiency than did the Volara during positive expiratory pressure and oscillatory positive airway pressure. The high residual nebulizer dose and fugitive aerosol losses through the handset leak valve contributed to the lower delivery efficiency observed with the Volara. The nebulizer type, circuit design, and handset are important factors when targeting effective aerosol delivery to the lungs with high-frequency assisted airway clearance therapy.

The safety and sustainability of bottle-pep therapy in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis.

INTRODUCTION: Airway clearance techniques, which include positive expiratory pressure (PEP) devices, are essential in the pulmonary rehabilitation of cystic fibrosis (CF). Bottle-PEP is a low-cost but an effective alternative. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to document the sustainability and safety of Bottle-PEP therapy as a home rehabilitation aid. METHODS: The study has been designed as a prospective case series. Patients with CF at the age of 6-18 years in acute exacerbation period were included in the study. Bottle-PEP training was given by a competent physiotherapist to those patients who did not use any method, and those who currently use another device were followed up with their existing devices. Thus, patients divided into two groups were followed up for 1 year. The patients were evaluated by phone every 2 weeks for exacerbation, regular and proper use of the device, and satisfaction during their follow-up. The patients were evaluated every 3 months with pulmonary function tests, 6-minute walking test (6MWT) and quality of life. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients were included in the study. The acute exacerbation score of the patients was 4.5 in the Bottle-PEP group and 6 in the other group, showing no significant difference (p = .1). Treatment compliance scores were compared, the median value of the Bottle-PEP group was 24 the other group was 27 and there was no significant difference (p = .6). During follow-up of, there were no significant differences in FEV1, 6MWT and quality of life data (p > .05). CONCLUSION: Bottle-PEP treatment is not different from other devices in terms of long-term usability and safety in patients diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.

Modified forced expiration technique using expiratory resistance in adults with cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Participation in airway clearance techniques (ACT) is important to minimise development of irreversible airway obstruction in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Positive expiratory pressure (PEP) and expiratory resistance devices (ERD) are often used as they can improve collateral ventilation and aid in the shearing of mucus from airways. This project looked to identify whether utilising an ERD during a forced expiration technique (FET) improves ease of expectoration, sputum amount and coughing frequency in patients with CF. METHOD: Patients with CF admitted for a respiratory exacerbation completed two sessions of 10 cycles of their usual ACT with half of the FET components performed with an ERD, half with FET alone. RESULTS: EOE, sputum wet weight, cough frequency and patient preference were similar between groups. Improved EOE without the ERD was found in participants who usually use PEP for their ACT regime. CONCLUSION: Combining the FET with a PEP mask did not improve EOE and other outcomes in this small study. Investigating the efficacy of this technique within a larger population is warranted.

Feasibility and Short-Term SpO2/FiO2 Changes in Hospitalized Adults with COVID-19 Pneumonia after Chest Physiotherapy with Threshold PEP Valve: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: One of the main features of COVID-19 pneumonia is hypoxemic acute respiratory failure (ARF), often requiring ventilatory support. The influence of chest physiotherapy in patients with ARF is not extensively studied. The aim of the study was to analyze the short-time effects of chest physiotherapy using a 10 cm H2O threshold valve in patients with COVID-19 and ARF. Methods; Quasi-experimental cross-sectional study, in hospitalized patients from March to May 2020. The fractions of inspired oxygen, oxygen saturation, heart rate, respiratory rate and dyspnea were collected before and after the starting session (day 1) and after the 5th day of therapy. RESULTS: The final sample size included 125 patients. Significant differences (p < 0.01) were found in the pre-post intervention SpO2/FiO2 ratio (250 ± 88.4 vs. 275.6 ± 97.5, p < 0.001), reaching 354.4 ± 110.2 after 5 days of therapy (p < 0.001 with respect to the baseline). The respiratory and heart rate dyspnea level did not change during the intervention. In patients needing FiO2 > 0.4, the SpO2/FiO2 ratio improvement was higher than in patients with milder severity (46.85 ± 77.69, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Chest physiotherapy with a 10 cm H2O threshold valve seems to be a safe and tolerated intervention with short-term improvement in oxygenation in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.

Effectiveness of the use of an oscillating positive expiratory pressure device in bronchiectasis with frequent exacerbations: a single-arm pilot study.

Impaired airway clearance in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis causes frequent bacterial infection, chronic inflammation, and progressive tissue destruction. We aimed to evaluate whether an oscillating positive expiratory pressure (OPEP) device could allow effective sputum expectoration and prevent acute exacerbations in patients with bronchiectasis who had frequent acute exacerbations. This open-label, single-arm, prospective study included 17 patients who experienced three or more acute exacerbations in the past year. We evaluated the prevention of acute exacerbations, subjective symptom improvement, and change in sputum amount during the use of the Aerobika (Trudell Medical International, London, ON) OPEP device twice daily for 6 months. Of all enrolled patients, only two acute exacerbations occurred during the study period, indicating a significant decrease compared with the number of acute exacerbations before the device use (p < 0.001). Additionally, Bronchiectasis Health Questionnaire score changed from 58.7 to 66.6, showing significant improvement over the treatment period (p < 0.001). The largest sputum volume was observed 3 months after OPEP device use (baseline: 10 ml, 3rd month 25 ml, p = 0.325). There were no major adverse events related to the use of OPEP devices. Twice-daily physiotherapy with OPEP device in patients with bronchiectasis who have frequent exacerbations may facilitate symptomatic improvement and prevention of acute exacerbations without serious adverse events.

Design and initial testing of a novel disposable oscillating positive expiratory pressure device.

BACKGROUND: Oscillating positive expiratory pressure (OPEP) devices play a key role in airway clearance, particularly in patients with cystic fibrosis. These devices, however, have the potential to become reservoirs for pathogenic organisms and require daily, or even more frequent, cleaning. This places a large burden on patients and their carers. AIMS: The objective of this work was to develop a disposable OPEP device, with comparable mechanical performance to commercial devices, that negates the need for cleaning after use thus reducing microbiological risks. METHODS: 3D printing was used to iterate and develop a prototype disposable device (The University of Limerick OPEP, abbreviated to the UL-OPEP) that was compared with a selection of commercially available devices for mean pressure and oscillation amplitude (cmH2O), as well as oscillation frequency (Hz). All devices were tested using a healthy volunteer at a target expiratory flow of ~ 20 L/min. The target therapeutic range was 10-20 cmH2O at a flow rate of 10-20 L/min as is reported widely in the literature. RESULTS: The prototype disposable device achieved a mean pressure of 14.82 cmH2O at a mean flow rate of 18.82 L/min, and generated an oscillation frequency of 26 Hz with an amplitude of 1.28 cmH2O. These characteristics compare favourably with existing, more complex, reusable OPEP devices. CONCLUSIONS: The UL-OPEP device is a small, disposable OPEP device, that generates pressure and oscillation amplitudes for clinically effective airway clearance. The device negates the need for cleaning and disinfecting, removing the risk of devices acting as a potential reservoir for pathogenic organisms while maintaining mucus-clearing benefits.

Impact of Aerobika® oscillating positive expiratory pressure in improving small airway resistance, lung function, symptoms and exercise capacity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background: Aerobika® oscillating positive expiratory pressure (OPEP) device promotes airway clearance in many respiratory diseases. However, studies have yet to focus on its effectiveness in improving small airway resistance via impulse oscillometry (IOS) measurement in COPD subjects. We aim to evaluate the improvement of small airway resistance (via IOS), lung function (spirometry), exercise capacity [via 6-min walking test (6MWT)], symptoms [COPD assessment test (CAT)] and severe exacerbation events among COPD subjects using Aerobika® OPEP. Methods: This was a prospective, single-arm interventional study among COPD subjects with small airway disease. Subjects were instructed to use twice daily Aerobika® OPEP (10 min each session); for 24 weeks; as an additional to standard therapy. IOS, spirometry, 6MWT, CAT score and severe exacerbation events were evaluated at baseline, 12 weeks and 24 weeks. Results: Fifty-three subjects completed the study. Aerobika® usage showed improvement of IOS parameters; e.g. measurement of airway resistance at 5 Hz (R5), cmH20/L/s, (12-week p = 0.008, 24-week p < 0.001), R5% predicted (12-week p = 0.007, 24-week p < 0.001) and small airway resistance (R5-R20), cmH20/L/s, (12-week p = 0.021, 24-week p < 0.001). There were improvement of lung function; e.g. FEV1, L (12-week p = 0.018, 24-week p = 0.001), FEV1% predicted (12-week p = 0.025, 24-week p = 0.001), FEF25-75, L (12-week p = 0.023, 24-week p = 0.002), and FEF25-75% predicted (12-week p = 0.024, 24-week p < 0.001). CAT score improved at 12 weeks (p < 0.001) and 24 weeks (p < 0.001). Subjects had improved exercise capacity (6MWT, metres) after 24 weeks (p = 0.016). However, there was no significant difference in severe exacerbation events 24 weeks before and after Aerobika® usage. Conclusion: Aerobika® OPEP demonstrated significant improvement in small airway resistance as early as 12 weeks of usage, with sustained improvement at 24 weeks. Aerobika® OPEP administration had significantly improved lung function, 6MWT, and CAT scores over 24 weeks. There was no difference in severe exacerbation events.

Short-Term Effect of Intermittent Intrapulmonary Deflation on Air Trapping in Patients With COPD.

BACKGROUND: Intermittent intrapulmonary deflation is an airway clearance technique that generates negative pressure during expiratory phases. This technology is intended to reduce air trapping by delaying the onset of air-flow limitation during exhalation. The objective of this study was to compare the short-term effect of intermittent intrapulmonary deflation versus positive expiratory pressure (PEP) therapy on trapped gas volume and vital capacity (VC) in patients with COPD. METHODS: We designed a randomized crossover study in which the participants with COPD received a 20-min session of both intermittent intrapulmonary deflation and PEP therapy on separate days and in random order. Lung volumes were measured via body plethysmography and helium dilution techniques, and spirometric outcomes were reviewed before and after each therapy. The trapped gas volume was estimated via functional residual capacity (FRC), residual volume (RV), and by the difference between FRC obtained through body plethysmography and helium dilution. Each participant also performed 3 VC maneuvers, from total lung capacity to RV with both devices. RESULTS: Twenty participants with COPD (mean ± SD ages 67 ± 8 y; FEV1 48.1 ± 17.0%) were recruited. There was no difference between the devices in FRC or trapped gas volume. However, the RV decreased more during intermittent intrapulmonary deflation compared with PEP. The intermittent intrapulmonary deflation mobilized a larger expiratory volume than PEP during the VC maneuver (mean difference 389 mL, 95% CI 128-650 mL; P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: The RV decreased after intermittent intrapulmonary deflation compared with PEP, but this effect was not captured by other estimates of hyperinflation. Although the expiratory volume obtained during the VC maneuver with intermittent intrapulmonary deflation was greater than that obtained with PEP, the clinical importance as well as the long-term effects remain to be determined.(ClinicalTrials.gov registration NCT04157972.).

A Comparison of the Effects of Phonation into a Positive Expiratory Pressure Device and Silicone Tube in Water on the Vocal Mechanism.

OBJECTIVES: Positive expiratory pressure (PEP) devices have become an additional therapeutic approach for treating voice disorders. Similar to water resistance therapy (WRT), phonation in a PEP device introduces a secondary source of vibration within the vocal tract. This investigation aimed to compare the effects of phonation using a PEP device and silicone tube phonation (STP) commonly used in WRT on the vocal mechanism during phonation. METHODS: Three normophonic subjects participated in the study. High-speed videoendoscopy, pressure, airflow, electroglottography, and acoustic recordings were collected. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that phonation using both the PEP device and silicone tube induced alterations in glottal behavior. The PEP device produced more pronounced and consistent pressure oscillations, impacting the glottal cycle and influencing parameters including contact quotient (CQ), fundamental frequency, glottal area, pressure, and airflow. The regular vibratory mechanism of the PEP device systematically modified the glottal cycle. In STP, regular bubbling at lower depths of submersion produced higher CQ values, supporting the efficacy of deep bubbling exercises for inducing glottal adduction. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that phonation using PEP devices has a more pronounced impact on the vocal tract and glottis. It also provides a stronger massage effect that directly affects the glottal source. Phonation with a silicone tube produces similar results, although to a lesser extent and with lower regularity. These findings offer guidance in the selection of voice therapy devices.

Non-Pharmaceutical Techniques for Obstructive Airway Clearance Focusing on the Role of Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP): A Narrative Review.

Mucus secretion in the lungs is a natural process that protects the airways from inhaled insoluble particle accumulation by capture and removal via the mucociliary escalator. Diseases such as cystic fibrosis (CF) and associated bronchiectasis, as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), result in mucus layer thickening, associated with high viscosity in CF, which can eventually lead to complete airway obstruction. These processes severely impair the delivery of inhaled medications to obstructed regions of the lungs, resulting in poorly controlled disease with associated increased morbidity and mortality. This narrative review article focuses on the use of non-pharmacological airway clearance therapies (ACTs) that promote mechanical movement from the obstructed airway. Particular attention is given to the evolving application of oscillating positive expiratory pressure (OPEP) therapy via a variety of devices. Advice is provided as to the features that appear to be the most effective at mucus mobilization.

Pressure, Flow, and Glottal Area Waveform Profile Changes During Phonation Using the Acapella Choice Device.

INTRODUCTION: Vibratory positive expiratory pressure (PEP) devices are now commonly used as a resource for voice therapy. PEP devices promote improved vocal economy with the added benefit of producing a massage effect in the vocal tract. Although the benefits of PEP devices for voice have already been demonstrated, their impact on the vocal source is still not very clear. This study assesses the impact of phonation into the Acapella Choice (a type of PEP device) on the voice. METHODS: Three normophonic subjects underwent high-speed videoendoscopy assessment while pressure, flow and electroglottographic data was collected. RESULTS: Phonation into the Acapella device produces large changes in the pressure and flow profiles consequently affecting the voice source. In specific, when intraoral pressure increases as a consequence of the downward movement of the rocker arm in the Acapella device (reduction of the airflow outlet), phonation is hindered, demonstrated by the lower amplitude of vibration of the vocal folds and weaker modulation of the pressure and flow values by the glottal cycle. When the rocker arm in the Acapella device opens (increasing the airflow outlet), the opposite trend is observed where vocal fold vibration is aided and the modulation of pressure and flow by the vocal cycle increases. Based on the pressure and flow signals, we can assume that the impedance of the vocal tract alternates between two dominant regimes: increased inertive reactance (aided vibration) and increased resistance (hindered vibration). CONCLUSIONS: PEP devices, such as the Acapella device, are efficient in modulating the pressure and flow profiles in the vocal tract leading to the alternation of glottal vibration from aided to hindered. These changes in the glottal vibration can be considered an additional consequence of the massage effect caused by the Acapella device.