Use of the expiratory flow accelerator during training in COPD pulmonary rehabilitation program

The aim of the study is to evaluate the effects of EFA technology in addition to a pulmonary rehabilitation program, on lung volumes in COPD patients with air trapping and with or without static pulmonary hyperinflation. Enrollement included 20 patients with various COPD stages, and residual volume > 120% or total lung capacity > 110%. 6 participants had moderate COPD, 5 severe and 9 very severe. 20 patients were randomly allocated into a control group (A) and a study group (B). Participants in the study group (B) performed the endurance training while using EFA at level 4. Of the 20 recruited patients, 6 in the A group and 9 in B group completed the program, and 5 patients were a dropout. Of the 15 patients who completed the program, 1 in the control group (A) and 2 in the study group (B) performed interval training. <fig><object-id>erj;64/suppl_68/PA4134/F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><graphic></graphic></fig> The EFA Group showed an improvement compared to the control group, as for Residual Volume (p=0.035) and the Quality of Life (p= 0.009). <table-wrap><object-id>erj;64/suppl_68/PA4134/T1</object-id><object-id>T1</object-id><object-id>t1</object-id><table><colgroup><col></col><col></col><col></col><col></col></colgroup><tbody><tr><td>OUTCOME</td><td>EFA GROUP</td><td>CONTROL GROUP</td><td>EFA vs CONTROL</td></tr><tr><td>SF-36</td><td>15.89±6.75 (p=0.003)</td><td>4.83±1.83 (p=0.132)</td><td>0.009</td></tr><tr><td>RV</td><td>−1.01±0.50 (p=0.075)</td><td>−0.49±0.45 (p=0.681)</td><td>0.035</td></tr><tr><td>RV/TLC</td><td>−18.56±15.87 (p=0.115)</td><td>−0.183±11.14 (p=0.923)</td><td>0.012</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap> The EFA device has been well tolerated by patients and seems to lead to an improvement in respiratory function indices as well as the quality of life of COPD patients with air trapping and with or without static pulmonary hyperinflation.