• J E Patterson, J M Bradley, and J S Elborn.
• School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Ulster at Jordanstown, Northern Ireland BT37 0QB, UK.
• Chron Respir Dis. 2004 Jan 1;1(3):127-30.

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of the test of incremental respiratory endurance (TIRE) with active cycle of breathing techniques (ACBT) [incorporating postural drainage (PD) and vibration] as methods of airway clearance in adults with bronchiectasis.DesignA randomized crossover study in which a single session of ACBT (incorporating PD and vibration) was compared to a single session of TIRE was carried out in 20 patients (14 female) with stable, productive bronchiectasis.MeasurementsWeight of sputum (treatment plus 30 min) was the primary outcome measure recorded. Pre- and post-treatment measures of lung function and SpO2 were also recorded.ResultsAll 20 patients were stable during the study period. Sputum weight expectorated during and 30 min post-ACBT (incorporating PD and vibration) treatment was significantly greater than the sputum weight expectorated during and 30 min post-TIRE treatment [mean difference 2.44 g (95% CI 0.43-4.45)].ConclusionACBT (incorporating PD and vibration) is a more effective method of airway clearance in bronchiectasis than TIRE during single treatment sessions.

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