A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Oscillatory Positive Expiratory Pressure Therapy on Clinical Outcomes Among COPD Patients Admitted in Selected Tertiary Care Hospitals of Western Maharashtra

Introduction: COPD is the third leading cause of death worldwide according to WHO. COPD once known as smokers cough, is now understood because of genetic and environmental interactions. Gene mutation causing antitrypsin deficiency & tobacco consumption are the major risk factors. Chronic small airway dysfunction and episodes of acute exacerbation with severe airflow obstruction, dyspnea, sputum production, impaired gas exchange and hypoxemia are salient features of COPD. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches are employed for airway clearance. OPEP therapy is a airway clearance technique. Materials and methods: The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of OPEP therapy on clinical outcomes among COPD patients. A pre-experimental one group pre-test post-test design was conducted to assess the effectiveness of OPEP therapy on clinical outcomes among COPD patients admitted to selected tertiary care hospitals. After ethical committee clearance, 33 subjects were selected conveniently. Validity and reliability of the tool was established and baseline data was collected. OPEP therapy was administered in two sessions twice a day, each session containing 5 breaths each, followed by 2 huff cough. Data related to clinical variables and self-reported symptoms were collected on each day. Results: Study reveals that there is a statistically significant difference between the pre- and post-interventional respiratory rate (p