Ambulatory chest physiotherapy in mild-to-moderate acute bronchiolitis in children under two years of age — A randomized control trial

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the role of a chest physiotherapy (CP) intervention to no intervention on the respiratory status of children under two years of age, with mild-to-moderate bronchiolitis. Methods: Out of 80 eligible children observed in the Emergency Room, 45 children completed the study with 28 randomized to the intervention group and 17 to the control group. The intervention protocol, applied in an ambulatory setting, consisted of combined techniques of passive prolonged slow expiration, rhinopharyngeal clearance and provoked cough. The control group was assessed with no chest physiotherapy intervention. The efficacy of chest physiotherapy was assessed using the Kristjansson Respiratory Score at the admission and discharge of the visit to the Emergency Room and during clinical visits at day 7 and day 15. Results: There was a significant improvement in the Kristjansson Respiratory Score in the intervention group compared to the control group at day 15 [1.2 (1.5) versus 0.3 (0.5); [Formula: see text]-value[Formula: see text], in the control and intervention groups, respectively], with a mean difference (95% CI) of [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text]). Conclusion: Chest physiotherapy had a positive impact on the respiratory status of children with mild-to-moderate bronchiolitis. Clinical Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04260919 .

Trials and tribulations of transparency related to inconsistencies between plan and conduct in peer‐reviewed physiotherapy publications: A methodology review

“…Of the 40 RCTs reviewed, 7 were available via open access. Most RCTs ( n = 34, 85.0%) were registered, 25 prospectively 43–67 and 9 retrospectively 68–76 . All RCT registrations were accessible for review.…”

“…All RCT registrations were accessible for review. Among the registered RCTs, 14 (41.8%) publications referenced CONSORT or other similar reporting guidelines 44,47–49,57,58,60–62,68,71–74 …”

“…The primary outcome was explicitly stated in the majority of studies ( n = 28, 70.0%) 43,44,46–49,51–57,59,61,62,64,65,67,68,71–78 as were the secondary outcomes ( n = 27, 67.5%) 43,44,46–49,51–53,55–57,59,61,62,64,65,67,68,71–78 . Eligibility criteria was listed in all 34 (100.0%) registrations, but only 2 63,67 had results posted in the registry (5.9%) (Table 1).…”

Response to “Chest physiotherapy for children with acute bronchiolitis: Do we need more evidence?”

“…It is with appreciation that our work 1 published by your journal, is having an impact on the physiotherapy community.…”

Chest physiotherapy for children with acute bronchiolitis: Do we need more evidence?

“…We read with interest the study entitled: “Ambulatory chest physiotherapy in mild-to-moderate acute bronchiolitis in children under two years of age — A randomized control trial”. 1 …”