Article

The Acapella is a positive pressure device designed to assist mucociliary
clearance. This study investigated the effectiveness of the Acapella in
comparison to PEP mask therapy. Twenty-three participants with cystic fibrosis
(CF) with a median age of 12 years (range 7-18 years), who were admitted to
hospital for a respiratory exacerbation were randomised to either the PEP mask or
Acapella treatment group. Both groups completed two treatment sessions each day
(10 sets of 10 breaths in sitting) over a 10-day period. Outcome measures were
change in lung function (FEV1, FVC, FEF(25-75), and PEF) and exercise performance
(modified 10-metre shuttle). In addition, total sputum production during
treatment (wet weight) and patient satisfaction were assessed over the 10-day
period. At the end of 10 days there were no statistically significant differences
between the groups for any of the outcome measures. Participants were highly
satisfied with both devices. The results suggest that there is no statistically
significant difference between the Acapella device and the PEP mask for use in CF
during an acute exacerbation. Larger studies are required to determine whether
differences between PEP mask and Acapella noted in this trial are clinically
worthwhile.

Langue : ANGLAIS