[Physical therapy in patients with COPD and tracheobronchial instability--comparison of 2 oscillating PEP systems (RC-Cornet, VRP1 Desitin). Results of a randommized prospective study of 90 patients]

Abstract

In a randomized prospective study in 90 patients with COAD and tracheo-bronchial instability 3 groups were formed. Group 1: Therapy as group 3+ Physiotherapy with VRP1 Desitin, Group 2: Therapy as group 3+ Physiotherapy with RC-Cornet, Group 3:

Control group: daily 40 mg prednisolon i.v., 2 x theophylline i.v. in relation to serum levels and 3 x inhalation of beta 2+ parasympathicolytic with a compressor inhaler. Therapy group 1 and 2 received the same drug and inhalation therapy as the controls. Controls of lung function before and after physiotherapy and visual analog scales for dyspnoea, cough, sputum and acceptance of the physiotherapy were performed at days 1, 4 and 7. With RC-Cornet the residual volume decreases statistically significant in comparison to VRP1 Desitin. Hyperventilation is also statistically significant smaller in RC-Cornet compared to VRP1 Desitin. The subjective improvement of sputum, dyspnoea and acceptance of the method of physiotherapy was statistically significant better for RC-Cornet. Regarding cough the significance was just failed by p < 0.055. RC-Cornet is a comfortable, effective, small accepted tool for the long term physiotherapy of patients with COAD and tracheobronchial instability.