Comparative trial of manual and mechanical percussion technique with gravity-assisted bronchial drainage in patients with cystic fibrosis.

Chest physiotherapy still remains one of the most important aspects in the 
treatment of chest complications of cystic fibrosis. A mechanical device that 
allows the patient with cystic fibrosis to do his own chest 
physiotherapy will be of great benefit if it is as effective 
as manual percussion. 14 patients with cystic fibrosis using mechanical and 
manual percussion physiotherapy were studied by measuring sputum volumes, and FEV 
and FVC. Results with mechanical percussor were as good as with 
the manual percussor and, therefore, it would be reasonable for the 
older patient to use the former on his own. 