AbstractBackground: Impaired airway clearance is the most common problem faced by the subjects diagnosed with bronchiectasis which makes bronchial hygiene a primary concern in the management. Several airway clearance techniques are used in the management of which Active cycle of breathing technique (ACBT) and autogenic drainage are considered to be effective and patient friendly. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the immediate effects of ACBTwith Autogenic Drainage for airway clearance in subjects with Bronchiectasis. Methodology: Eighteen patients(5 males ,13 females) mean age of 55.39 years with the history of bronchiectasis based on purposive sampling, were recruited for the study . Assessment and familiarization session was conducted following which all participants underwent both ACBT and Autogenic Drainage in a random sequence for continuous 2 days. All the outcomes were compared pre- and post- intervention for the outcome measures, except sputum quantity, which was measured immediately after the intervention. Subjects’ treatment preference was recorded at the end of the 2nd day. Results: None of the outcome measures showed statistically significant difference except patient preference. ACBT was preferred by most of the (11/18) patients than Autogenic drainage, hence showed statistically highly significant values between the techniques. Conclusion: ACBT was found to be easier technique to perform and was more effective in clearing out the secretions than Autogenic Drainage which requires more concentration to become compliant with the treatment.
Keywords: Bronchiectasis; Active Cycle of Breathing Techniques; Autogenic Drainage.