Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure Improves Peak Expiratory Flow and Exercise Capacity in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of oscillatory positive expiratory pressure (OPEP) device (flutter device) on exercise capacity and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) in patients with moderate COPD. Twenty men patients with moderate COPD based on spirometric measures for FEV1, FEV1/FVC with mean age 50.73±2.9 were enrolled in that study for two months. They received flutter valve treatment as airway clearance. They underwent evaluation procedures at the beginning study that included weight, height and spirometric measures for FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEFR and 6 minute walk test (6MWT). At the end of the study 6MWT and PEFR were retested. Results showed that there were significant increase of all the 6MWT measured parameters (Distance, SpO2) as well as PEFR. It was concluded that the (OPEP) in the form of flutter device improved exercise capacity and peak expiratory flow in moderate COPD men patients who had chronic sputum production.