Chest physiotherapy, gastro-oesophageal reflux, and arousal in infants with cystic fibrosis

Abstract

Background: Postural drainage chest physiotherapy in infants with cystic fibrosis (CF) exacerbates gastrooesophageal reflux (GOR) and may contribute to a more rapid deterioration in lung function. Aims: To compare standard postural drainage chest physiotherapy (SPT) and a modified physiotherapy regimen (MPT) without head-down tilt, with regard to GOR, arousal state, and cardiorespiratory function. Methods: Twenty infants with CF underwent 30 hour oesophageal pH monitoring, during which four chest physiotherapy sessions were administered (day 1: MPT-SPT; day 2: SPT-MPT). Arousal state, heart rate, and oxygen saturation were documented for each of the physiotherapy positions (supine, prone, ri..