An evaluation of the forced expiration technique as an adjunct to postural drainage.

A criticism often levelled at the forced expiration technique (FET) is that 
it increases and may even produce bronchospasm. It was our impression 
that the use of forced expiration when combined with periods of 
relaxed diaphragmatic breathing did not aggravate bronchospasm and shortened the postural 
drainage session. Two groups of patients were studied: 24 with cystic 
fibrosis to evaluate the use of the FET as an independent 
means of postural drainage; and 20 asthmatic patients to assess the 
effect of the FET on bronchospasm. The studies indicate that the 
forced expiration technique increases the efficiency of postural drainage, but does 
not increase airway obstruction. This technique can be applied to both 
medical and surgical conditions when postural drainage, or a modified form 
of postural drainage, is indicated. 