Original Research Article
Year: 2020 | Month: October | Volume: 10 | Issue: 10 | Pages: 204-210
Comparison of Lung Flute Device versus Flutter Device for Sputum Clearance in Bronchiectasis: A Randomized Crossover Trial
Siddhi Ghodge1, Ashwini Dangi2, Medha Deo3
1Assistant Professor, K. J. Somaiya College of Physiotherapy, Mumbai.
2Associate Professor, Terna Physiotherapy College, Mumbai
3Principal cum Professor, TPCT’s Terna Physiotherapy College, Mumbai.
Corresponding Author: Siddhi Ghodge
ABSTRACT
Purpose: The main clinical manifestation of bronchiectasis is productive cough. In recent years, there is a development of large number of devices to assist airway clearance and allow self-administration therapy. There are no studies to our knowledge that have compared Lung Flute device with Flutter device. Hence, a study was undertaken to compare the effect of Lung Flute device over Flutter device in mucous clearance and establish patient preference in bronchiectasis patients.
Methods: 46 subjects diagnosed with bronchiectasis with sputum volume >30ml were selected according to inclusion criteria. A pre-treatment 24 hour sputum volume was measured. They were randomized into Lung Flute group and Flutter group wherein each group were administered 3 sessions/day. Post treatment 24 hour sputum volume was measured and the subjects were crossed over after a 24 hour washout period.
Results: Lung Flute device and Flutter device showed statistically significant increase in expectorated sputum volume with p values 0.001 and 0.000 respectively. Between the two devices, there was no statistical (p=0.369) or clinical (r=0.09) significant change on sputum volume. On Likert scale analysis, it was observed that significant difference was noted on “level of comfort to use the device” and “ease of removal of secretions” with Flutter device being better than Lung Flute device.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that Lung Flute device and Flutter device have comparable efficacies in regards to sputum clearance in bronchiectasis with patient preference to Flutter device for the comfort of use and for ease of removal of secretions.
Key words: Bronchiectasis, Flutter, Lung Flute, Sputum clearance.