Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 3, 2026

The WinCF Model - An Inexpensive and Tractable Microcosm of a Mucus Plugged Bronchiole to Study the Microbiology of Lung Infections
Published on: May 8, 2017
Chest physiotherapy in hospitalized patients with cystic fibrosis: a study of lung function effects and sputum
B Oberwaldner1, B Theissl, A Rucker
1Dept. of Pediatrics, University of Graz, Austria.
Abstract:
In order to evaluate the short-term lung function effects of high-pressure positive expiratory pressure (PEP)-mask physiotherapy (PT) in relation to PT-assisted sputum production, we studied 18 patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), hospitalized for a pulmonary exacerbation. Lung functions were measured before (a) and after PT (b) on day one (1), five (2), ten (3) and fifteen (4). Five functions improved significantly from a1 to b1, eight from a2 to b2, seven from a3 to b3, and seven from a4 to b4. Baseline (a) measurements improved only slightly, but post-PT (b) values improved more markedly from 1 to 4, and this improvement reached statistical significance for six functions; consequently, a-to-b lung function changes tended to increase from investigation 1 to 4. Eleven PT-induced lung function changes correlated to the weight of sputum produced. High-pressure PEP-mask PT therefore resulted in significant lung function improvements, and not only maintained but increased its effect in the course of the hospitalization.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation, but...
Cystic Fibrosis: Management
Sinus disease and chronic sinusitis...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
Medical History
Flail Chest-II
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
Pulmonary Function Tests
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...
Chest Physiotherapy
Purpose
CPT is primarily used for patients with excessive bronchial secretions who have difficulty clearing...

