Biofeedback flutter device for managing the symptoms of patients with COPD

Flutter is a device used in removing excess lung secretions. The conventional flutter lacks a biofeedback component to facilitate optimal use by the patients.

The current research aims to compare the effects of biofeedback flutter devices with the conventional flutter in managing the symptoms of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.

One hundred and sixty-eight participants were randomly allocated into four groups: Group A (conventional), Group B (visual biofeedback), Group C (auditory biofeedback) and Group D (visual and auditory biofeedback). All groups were treated five days for 20 minutes. Outcome measures included wet sputum weight [during intervention (T1) and 1 hour after intervention (T2)], oxygen saturation and dyspnea score (before and after intervention) on all days.

The wet sputum expectorated (T2) by Group B was significantly higher than Group A (P< 0.001), Group C (P< 0.001) and Group D (P< 0.05). The dyspnea score for Group B (P< 0.05), Group C (P< 0.05) and Group D (P< 0.05) was significantly lower than Group A. The post-intervention oxygen saturation level was higher in Group D followed by Groups B, C and A.

The use of biofeedback flutter is effective in the removal of secretion, reducing dyspnea and improving oxygen saturation when compared to conventional flutter.