EVIDENCE OF RESPIRATORY PHYSIOTHERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF CYSTIC FIBROSIS

Abstract

Introduction: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multisystem disorder, although its major impairment occurs in the respiratory system, which is responsible for the higher rate of disease-related morbidity and mortality. The treatment developed by respiratory physiotherapy aims to facilitate airway clearance, improve pulmonary function, preserve respiratory muscle resistance and promote quality of life. Objective: This research aims to probe the literature, clinical evidence of respiratory physiotherapy in the treatment of CF in order to clarify its benefits in symptomatology and quality of life. Materials and methods: This is an integrative review, conducted through the search for indexed studies in the Virtual Health Library (VHL). The articles were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria of this study, and the inclusion criteria were: articles available in full, published between 2009 and 2019 and addressing the theme in question. Eighty-nine studies were selected, where only 10 met the eligibility criteria. Results and discussions: After analyzing the results, it was noted that the studies showed in their main outcomes the benefits of respiratory physiotherapy on lung function, exercise capacity and quality of life. Physical therapy interventions promoted increased PEF, FVC and FEV1, reduced PE, decreased fatigue, increased respiratory muscle endurance, strength, speed, flexibility and thoracic mobility, improved VO 2max index, and reduced intravenous antibiotic days. Conclusion: Respiratory physiotherapy proved to be beneficial and of great influence on the symptoms and quality of life of patients with cystic fibrosis.