Autogenic drainage: efficacy of a simplified method.

A simplified and modified technique of the original autogenic drainage (AD) is described which is supplemented by breathing against an external flow resistance. The new method allows a better teaching and learning. It's efficacy is proven by means of a comparative trial of AD and PEP physiotherapy (i.e. expiration against a defined stenosis). The autogenic drainage (AD) was introduced by a Belgian working group (2). The basic idea was to support the elimination of mucus by deep breathing and by repressing the cough as long as possible. However, a rather sophisticated method impeded teaching and learning of AD (1). Thus, till now, there are only preliminary results which suggest the efficacy of AD (e.g. 3). Therefore, a simplified technique was developed and examined with regard to its sputum eliminating effect.