A new percussion aid for cystic fibrosis patients.

This paper is a report on the first part of a comprehensive 
research programme. The aim is the development of a mechanical aid 
which will enable patients with cystic fibrosis to give themselves satisfactory 
physiotherapy. The percussor, which can be used by patients, parents or 
relatives, is portable and lightweight. The domiciliary trial showed that effective 
percussion could be self-administered to the front of the chest and 
to a lesser extent to the sides of the chest. The 
percussor was found to be very acceptable to adolescent patients and 
especially girls with early breast development. Further research work has now 
been completed and as a result a system has been developed 
which enables patients to treat themselves with satisfactory chest percussion in 
the five preferred positions of postural drainage. 