ABSTRACT
Objective. To compare the clinical outcome measures of chest percussion in supine with quarter prone position, in terms of changes In Fi02, heart rate[HR] respiratory rate[RR], peak pressures and SpO2 to resolve gravitational atelectasis among mechanically ventilated COPD patients
Methods: This is a Comparative cross sectional study in which 42 COPD patients with gravitational atelectasis were selected using convenient sampling and divided into two equal groups of21 participants in each group. Group A was provided with [CPT] in supine position while group B was with chest percussion in quarter prone position. Clinical outcome measures like FiO2, SpO2, respiratory rate, heart rate and peak pressure were measured before and after the treatment
Results: The mean age of the patients in group A was 58.71 +/- 956 years whereas in group B was 52.47 +/- 8.81 years. Using the paired t-test it was analyzed that before and after the treatment, there was significant difference in Sp02, respiratory rate, heart rate and peak pressure as the p value was highly significant [p-value=0.000] but no significant difference in FiO2 [p-value=0.08] in both groups. Paired sample t-test was applied for post treatment difference of Fi02, Sp02, RR, HR and peak pressure between group A and group B , showed no significant difference as the p value was not significant
Conclusions: Chest percussion was equally effective in both positions to resolve gravitational atelectasis by clearing the airways and improving oxygenation