Does chest physical therapy work?

Chest. 1985 Sep;88(3):436-44. doi: 10.1378/chest.88.3.436.

Abstract

Postural drainage has usually been shown to be an effective component of chest physical therapy; there is currently no data showing a beneficial effect of percussion or vibration; directed coughing may be as efficacious as postural drainage (Table 3); the forced expiration technique may increase sputum clearance with or without postural drainage (Table 4).

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Bronchial Diseases / therapy
  • Chronic Disease
  • Cough
  • Cystic Fibrosis / therapy
  • Drainage
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases / therapy
  • Lung Diseases, Obstructive / therapy
  • Percussion
  • Physical Therapy Modalities / adverse effects
  • Physical Therapy Modalities / methods*
  • Posture
  • Respiration
  • Respiration, Artificial
  • Respiratory Tract Diseases / therapy*
  • Sputum / metabolism
  • Thorax