Efficacy of pursed lips breathing with forced expiration techniques and active cycle of breathing technique on pulmonary mucus clearance in healthy subjects

Abstract

[Purpose] To investigate the efficacy of pursed lips breathing with forced expiration techniques (PLB & FETs) and the active cycle of breathing technique (ACBT) on pulmonary mucus clearance in healthy subjects. [Methods] Three healthy subjects volunteered for the study. Pulmonary mucus clearance was measured over 70 minutes on three different days by a radioaerosol technique. Each subject attended three sessions, one each of control (normal breathing), PLB & FETs and ACBT. [Results] The efficacy of both airway clearance techniques was similar, but better than that of normal breathing. In the central lung zone, PLB & FETs demonstrated a slight enhancement of mucus clearance as compared with ACBT and normal breathing. In the intermediate and peripheral zones, PLB & FETs and ACBT resulted in a relatively high mucus clearance as compared with normal breathing. Overall mucus clearance of normal lungs was remarkably improved by PLB & FETs and ACBT. [Conclusion] Enhanced mucus clearance in healthy subjects, particularly in the intermediate and peripheral lung zone, can be achieved by PLB & FETs and ACBT.