Blow Bottle and Percussion Techniques in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a prevalent condition characterized by irreversible airflow obstruction and significant impact on quality of life. Despite available treatments, managing symptoms effectively remains a challenge. Techniques such as percussion and the Blow Bottle method have shown potential in improving lung function and symptom management individually, yet their combined effects have not been extensively studied.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the combined effects of percussion and Blow Bottle techniques on clinical outcomes in patients with mild to moderate COPD.

Methods: In a randomized controlled trial, 34 participants diagnosed with mild to moderate COPD were allocated into two groups. Group A received only percussion therapy, while Group B received both percussion and Blow Bottle therapy. Interventions were administered three times a week for four weeks. Clinical outcomes measured included dyspnea (mMRC Dyspnea Scale), sputum production (Breathlessness, Cough, and Sputum Scale), expiratory flow rates (peak flow meter), and oxygen saturation levels (pulse oximetry). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, employing both parametric and non-parametric tests depending on the data distribution.

Results: Significant improvements were observed in Group B compared to Group A across several metrics. Specifically, oxygen saturation improved from 91% ± 2 to 95% ± 1 in Group B, compared to an improvement from 92% ± 2 to 94% ± 2 in Group A (p = 0.0001). Expiratory flow rates increased from 295 L/min ± 45 to 370 L/min ± 50 in Group B, whereas Group A saw an increase from 300 L/min ± 50 to 340 L/min ± 55 (p = 0.003).

Conclusion: The study demonstrated that the combination of percussion and Blow Bottle techniques significantly enhances clinical outcomes more than percussion alone in patients with COPD. This suggests that integrating both techniques could be more effective in managing COPD symptoms, particularly in improving pulmonary function and oxygen saturation.

Keywords: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, COPD management, percussion therapy, Blow Bottle technique, pulmonary rehabilitation, respiratory therapy.