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A Randomized Case-Control Study on High-Frequency Chest Wall Oscillator Versus Conventional Chest Physical Therapy in Spinal Cord Injury Subjects

Rimsha Siddiqui, Shrishti Choudhary, G. Shukla, Reshma Malik, Jyoti Gupta, G. Malhotra, Aarti Belwal, S. Thakur

SVOA Neurology, 2024

78 participants

Abstract

Study Design: This study is a randomized case-control trial. Setting: Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, India. Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) often results in severe respiratory dysfunction, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Respiratory complications, including atelectasis and pneumonia, are prevalent and exacerbated by compromised lung function and ineffective cough. CCPT poses risks like hypoxemia and arrhythmias. HFCWO has emerged as a promising alternative, facilitating airway clearance and improving lung function without manual intervention. Despite its efficacy in other conditions, its specific benefits in SCI require further study. Objective: To study the effect of High-Frequency Chest Wall Oscillator versus Conventional Chest Physical Therapy in candidates with Spinal Cord Injury. Methodology: A sample of 78 SCI patients was selected, with 71 completing the study. Patients were divided into Group A (HFCWO) and Group B (CCPT). Baseline vital, clinical, and radiological parameters were recorded. Group A received HFCWO twice daily for 15 minutes over 5 days, while Group B received CCPT that included positioning, percussions on the affected lobe, and mechanical vibration for 5 days as indicated. Suctioning was performed post-intervention in both groups. Parameters were re-evaluated post-treatment and after 5 days by an intensivist. Results: The median (IQR) age of participants was 32 (18 to 60). Wilcoxon signed- rank test was used…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 78 participants or records.

How the five levels of evidence work. The level is assigned automatically from the abstract and can be wrong, so check the paper.

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