Abstract

Purpose. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of the halotherapy versus Acapella device as a method of airway clearance on the response of ventilatory functions in men patients with COPD. Materials and methods. Forty men patients participated in the study with moderate COPD on the basis of spirometric measures (Moderate 50% ≤ FEV1 < 80% of predicted). They were recruited from chest out-patient clinic of Police hospital. Their age ranged from 40 to 60 years and body mass index was 25–30 kg/m2. They were randomly assigned into two groups. Group (A) received treatment by the green Acapella device associated with routine chest physiotherapy including (diaphragmatic breathing, pursed lip breathing and active cycle breathing) for 8 successive weeks, for 24 sessions, 3 times per week, 50 minutes for each session. With 2 sets per each session. Group (B) received halotherapy with natural salt associated with routine chest physiotherapy including (diaphragmatic breathing, pursed lip breathing and active cycle breathing) for 8 successive weeks, for 24 sessions, 3 times per week, 50 minutes for each session. With 2 sets per each session. Ventilatory parameters (FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC), six-minute walk distance (6MWD) and the status of the disease by COPD assessment test (CAT) were measured before and after 8 weeks of training. Results. Statistical analysis using the paired t-test between pre and post training showed that group (A) and (B) revealed significant increase in Ventilatory parameters (FEV1%, FVC% and FEV1/FVC%) for group A (7.06%, 1.51%, 5.78%) and for group B (6.7%, 1.95%, 4.96%) respectively, and distance of 6-min walk test with (16.89%) for group A and with (14.5%) for group B and significant decrease in the status of the disease by CAT post-treatment with (22.8%,) for group A and with (20.28%) for group B. Comparing the results among the two tested groups, There was no significant difference in the post-testing mean values of all measured variables between the two groups (A) and (B). Conclusions. Both halotherapy and Acapellla device are similarly effective in ventilatory parameters, distance of 6 min-walk test and COPD assessment test (CAT).

Key words:

COPD, halotherapy, acapella device