Comparison of ELTGOL Therapy versus ACBT on Breathlessness, cough and sputum production; Exercise capacity and quality of life in middle aged bronchiectasis patients

Abstract

Respiratory physiotherapeutic techniques have gained wide acceptance in reducing the pulmonary symptoms and improving the quality of life of Bronchiectasis patients. This study aims to compare the efficacy of ELTGOL technique (L’ Expiration Lente Totale Glotte Ouverte en decubitus Lateral) which is a lesser known but increasingly popular airway clearance technique, versus ACBT (Active cycle of breathing techniques) which is the standard airway clearance technique, in improving the pulmonary impairments, exercise capacity and quality of life in middle aged bronchiectasis patients. 40 bronchiectasis patients were assessed and were divided into two groups- Group A and Group B. Each group had a total of 20 patients. Patients in Group A underwent ELTGOL therapy and Group B received ACBT as the airway clearance technique. The Breathlessness cough and sputum scale score, 6- minute walk distance and St. George Respiratory questionnaire score were assessed before and after 4 weeks of the said interventions. All the data analysis was done using SPSS software version 26. The study concluded that individually, ELTGOL and ACBT had a statistically significant role in improving the pulmonary impairments, exercise capacity and quality of life in middle aged bronchiectasis patient. However, there was insignificant difference between ELTGOL and ACBT in terms of improving the pulmonary impairments, functional capacity and health related quality of life in middle aged Bronchiectasis patients.