Investigation of the frequency and force of chest vibration performed by physiotherapists.

PURPOSE

To investigate the frequency and force of chest vibration as applied by 18 physiotherapists working in a teaching hospital.

METHOD

CHEST VIBRATION WAS APPLIED TO A HEALTHY ADULT MALE LYING SUPINE ON A PLINTH WITH SEVEN MOUNTED SENSORS MEASURING FREQUENCY AND FORCE, DURING THREE TEST CONDITIONS: (1) directly on the chest, (2) on the chest through a layer of sheet, and (3) on the chest through a layer of towelling. The influence of gender and current practice area (physiotherapists working in cardiopulmonary areas [cardiopulmonary physiotherapists] and physiotherapists who presently did not work in the cardiopulmonary area, but had treated cardiopulmonary patients within the last year [general practice physiotherapists]) on the frequency and force of chest vibrations was examined.

RESULTS

Physiotherapists demonstrated a mean frequency of 5.7, 5.3, and 5 Hz and a mean maximum force of 272.78, 273.47, and 271.13 N for conditions 1, 2, and 3 respectively. There were no significant differences in the frequency or forces generated by vibration between cardiopulmonary and general practice physiotherapists, between genders, or among the three test conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Vibration frequency was lower and force higher than previously recorded. Force may vary depending on the patient. The addition of a sheet or towel did not affect the force or frequency of vibration compared to vibration performed directly on the chest.