Abstract Introduction: Chronic bronchitis (CB) is a common but variable phenomenon in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It has numerous clinical consequences, including an accelerated decline in lung function, greater risk of the development of airflow obstruction in smokers, a predisposition to lower respiratory tract infection, higher exacerbation frequency, and worse overall mortality [1]. Need of the Study: There are many research done on breathing exercises & bronchial hygiene techniques for chronic bronchitis but n comparison between active cycle of breathing technique along with postural drainage over autogenic drainage. This study is focused to find out the effects of active cycle of breathing technique along with postural drainage over autogenic drainage. Hypothesis: Experimental Hypothesis There is significant difference between the effect of Active cycle of breathing technique along with postural drainage over autogenic drainage in chronic bronchitis patients. Null Hypothesis: There is no significant difference between the effect of Active cycle of breathing technique along with postural drainage over autogenic drainage in chronic bronchitis patients. Review of Literature: Ada Clarice Gastaldi, PhD, (2015) This study aims to evaluate the acute effects of an oscillating positive expiratory pressure device (flutter) on airways resistance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 15 COPD outpatients with thirty minutes of flutter exercises: a “flutter-sham” procedure was used as a control, and airway responses after a short-acting bronchodilator were also assessed. The use of flutter can decrease the respiratory system resistance and reactance and expiratory flow limitation in stable COPD patients with small amounts of secretions [22]. 2. EleonoraVolpato, Paolo Banfi, (2015) This meta-analysis aimed to assess evidence from the scientific literature on the effects of relaxation techniques, investigated 9 databases to select 25 RCTs. Although higher quality research is required, our results sustain the importance of relaxation techniques as a tool to manage COPD [23]. 3. Susan D Hanekom, Dina Brooks, 2012) Postoperative pulmonary complications remain the most significant cause of morbidity following open upper abdominal surgery despite advances in preoperative care. An expert Delphi panel interpreted the equivocal evidence for the physiotherapeutic management of patients following upper abdominal surgery. Through a process of consensus a clinical management algorithm was formulated [24]. Methodology: 30 Subjects divided randomly into two groups; namely experimental group A and control group B, consisting of 15 subjects each. Both the groups were assessed before the training session to exclude any pre-existing pulmonary and cardiac conditions. Group A was treated with Active cycle of breathing technique with postural drainage and Group B received autogenic drainage. Discussion: This study was design to compare effectiveness of two airway clearance techniques. It was a comparative study, 30 patients with chronic bronchitis are taken subjects divides into Group A and Group B. 30 patients of chronic bronchitis of each group are distributed by convenient sampling. Group A was performed with active cycle of breathing technique along with postural drainage; Group B was performed with autogenic drainage only, duration for 4 weeks. Statistical ‘t’ test for analyzing pre and post result. In this study Conclusion. This study, concluded active cycle of breathing technique with postural drainage and autogenic drainage are effective individualy but comparatively there is no significant difference between two groups. Limitations of Study: 1. The sample size in this study was small, larger sample was not taken. 2. As the study was done on chronic bronchitis patients, it can be done on other COPD patients. 3. Sometimes the patients are uncooperative, unconcious and no longer stayed. Suggestions for Further Studies: 1. This study used only four tools in detecting the improvement in chronic bronchitis patients, studies can be done with other parameters like pulmonary function testing and arterial blood gas analysis. 2. As this study was done only with smokers, further studies could be done with other types of patients. 3. The comparison between active cycle of breathing technique and other training modes like percussion, vibrations, incentive spirometery can be studied, as the later is also concerned with the better outcome in recent studies.
Keywords: Couch, Peak flow meter; Pulse oxymeter; Timer; Stethoscope; Pillows; Borg’s scale; Oxygen saturation level (SaO2); Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR); Rate pressure product (RPP) and Borg scale (rate of perceived exertion).