Use of lung expansion techniques on drained and non-drained pleural effusion: survey with 232 physiotherapists

• Published in: Fisioterapia em movimento 2020, Vol.33
• Main Authors: Santos, Elinaldo da Conceição dos, Silva, Juliana de Souza da, Assis Filho, Marcus Titus Trindade de, Vidal, Marcela Brito, Lunardi, Adriana Claudia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: ORTHOPEDICS; REHABILITATION
• ISSN: 1980-5918; 1980-5918
• DOI: 10.1590/1980-5918.33.ao05

Abstract Introduction: Techniques for lung expansion seem to benefit patients with drained and undrained pleural effusion, but there is a lack of evidence to indicate which technique is best in each situation. Currently, the therapeutic choices of respiratory physiotherapists serving this population are not known. Objective: To know which lung expansion techniques are chosen by chest physiotherapists who assist patients with drained and non-drained pleural effusion. Method: Through the announcement of the Federal Council, 232 physiotherapists who work in hospitals in Brazil were questioned about which techniques they apply to patients with drained and non-drained effusion. Results: Initially, 512 were questioned but 232 (45.3%) answered. The physiotherapists associate more than one technique of lung expansion in both types of patients, besides walking. Deep breathing is the most used technique in patients with drained (92%) and non-drained (77%) pleural effusion. Positive pressure exercises in the airways are chosen by 60% of the physiotherapists to treat patients with drained pleural effusion and by 34% to treat patients with non-drained pleural effusion. Yet the incentive spirometry are used with 66% of patients with drained pleural effusion and 42% with non-drained ones. Conclusion: Deep breathing is the most applied lung expansion technique in the treatment of patients with drained and non-drained pleural effusion by chest physiotherapists. In addition, there is association between greatest degree and time of professional performance and the chosen techniques. Resumo Introdução: Técnicas para expansão pulmonar parecem beneficiar pacientes com derrame pleural drenado e não drenado, porém há falta de evidências para indicar qual é a melhor técnica em cada situação. Atualmente, as escolhas terapêuticas dos fisioterapeutas respiratórios que atendem essa população não são conhecidas. Objetivo: Conhecer as técnicas de expansão pulmonar escolhidas pelos fisioterapeutas respiratórios que atendem pacientes com derrame pleural drenado e não drenado. Método: Por meio do anúncio do Conselho Federal, 232 fisioterapeutas que trabalham em hospitais no Brasil foram questionados sobre quais técnicas se aplicam a pacientes com derrame drenado e não drenado. Resultados: Inicialmente, 512 foram questionados, mas 232 (45,3%) responderam. Os fisioterapeutas associam mais de uma técnica de expansão pulmonar em ambos os tipos de pacientes, além de deambular. A respiração prof