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Comparison of the effects of comprehensive chest physiotherapy alone and combined with inspiratory muscle training in children with cystic fibrosis

Background: Chest physiotherapy (PT) improves airway clearance and is generally included in routine treatment for cystic fibrosis (CF). Short term or single session effects of a chest PT are documented but the evidence is limited for its long term applications. Also, inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has conflicting results in this population. Aims and Objectives: Our aim was to investigate the effects of 8-week long comprehensive chest PT alone and combined with IMT on pulmonary function and functional capacity in children with CF. Methods: Thirty two children (mean age of 11.1±2.3 years) with CF were randomly allocated to either chest PT or chest PT combined with IMT groups. Chest PT included thoracic expansion exercises, incentive spirometer and oscillatory PEP devices and postural drainage which to be repeated two times a day. Threshold IMT device was used at intensity of 30% of maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) for 15 minutes, two times a day for IMT. Patients performed the exercises at home 7 days a week for 8 weeks. Spirometry, respiratory muscle strength and six-minute walk distance (6MWD) was assessed at baseline and after training. Results: FVC, FEV1, PEF, MIP, MEP and 6MWD were significantly improved in both groups (p Conclusions: Eight-week long comprehensive chest PT including breathing exercises, respiratory exercise devices and postural drainage was found to be effective at improving pulmonary function and functional capacity. Combining IMT with chest PT showed no significant benefits over chest PT alone.