Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Physical Therapy for Cadiopulmonary and Geriatrics Disorder

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of the Halotherapy versus Acapella device as a method of airway clearance on the response of ventilatory functions in men patients with COPD.Subject and method: Forty men patients participated in the study with moderate COPD on the basis of spirometric measures (Moderate (50 % {u2264} FEV1 < 80% of predicted). They were recruited from chest out-patient clinic of Police hospital.Their age ranged from 40 to 60 years and body mass index was 25: 30 Kg/m2. They were randomly assigned into two groups.All patients received traditional CPT in form of (diaphragmatic breathing, pursed lip breathing and active cycle breathing) plus the green Acapella device for Group (A) that consisted of 21 patients who received treatment for 8 successive weeks, for 24 sessions, 3 times per week, 50 minutes for each session. With 2 sets per each session. And Halo therapy with natural salt for Group (B) that consisted of 19 patients who received treatment for 8 successive weeks, for 24 sessions, 3 times per week, 50 minutes for each session. With 2 sets per each session. Ventilatory parameters (FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC), the spo2 , the Borg scale , six-minute walk distance (6MWD) and the status of the disease by COPD assessment test (CAT) were measured before and after 8 weeks of training. Results: Statistical analysis using the paired t-test between pre and post treatment showed that group (A) and (B) revealed significant increase in Ventilatory parameters (FEV1 %, FVC% and FEV1/FVC%) for group A (7.06%, 1.51%, 5.78% respectively) and for group B (6.7%, 1.95%, 4.96% respectively) respectively., the spo2 with (3.96%) for group A and with (2.87%) for group B , the Borg scale with (18.26%)for group A and with (16.07) for group B and distance of 6 min- walk test with (16.89%) for group A and with (14.5%) for group B and significant decrease in the status of the disease by CAT post-treatment with (22.8%,) for group A and with (20.28%) for group B. Comparing the results among the two tested groups, There was no significant difference in the post-testing mean values of all measured variables between the two groups (A) and(B)

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