The immediate effect of physiotherapy and aerosol treatment on pulmonary function in children with cystic fibrosis.

The direct effect of physiotherapy and physiotherapy produced by aerosol treatment on pulmonary function was studied in 25 sputum-producing patients with cystic fibrosis. Special emphasis was given to the effect on airway upstream to the flow-limiting bronchi. No significant effect on flows and volumes could be found. This may be partly explained by the fact that the percussion frequency and pressure on the chest wall with manual physiotherapy does not lead to optimal penetration of vibration in the lungs and mobilisation of secretions. Theoretically it is unlikely that any physiotherapy technique will be able to enhance the clearance of mucus from the peripheral airways.