Self Chest Clapping: Patients'' Views and the Effects on Oxygen Saturation

The literature suggests that self chest clapping (SCC) does not enhance rate of sputum clearance if combined with the active cycle of breathing techniques (ACBT), but many patients find SCC beneficial and continue to use it. Previous studies have examined the effects of assisted chest clapping on oxygen saturation (SaO₂), but what would be the effects of SCC on SaO₂? It was important to establish any possible detrimental effects from its use and to explore the views of patients using it as part of their treatment.

The SaO₂ was measured in 20 clinically stable patients with cystic fibrosis during their physiotherapy (the ACBT with SCC in a gravity assisted position) and all patients completed a short anonymous questionnaire to obtain their views on SCC. Patient characteristics of lung function, arterial blood gases, response to bronchodilator therapy, 24-hour sputum weight and exercise ability were recorded, within 48 hours of participation within the study, to identify a possible relationship between these and a change in SaO₂.

In the group as a whole there was a statistically significant mean fall in SaO₂ with SCC (p = 0.026). However, this fall was never greater than 4.4%. In some patients a fall in SaO₂ was recorded with SCC, but in others there was an increase. There was no correlation between the variables measured and a fall in SaO₂ with SCC. The patients using SCC had strong views and beliefs about why they did so.