Best-evidence synthesis
• There is moderate evidence that walking programmes can
have beneficial effects on PaO2 during exercise, exercise
capacity and perceived dyspnoea .
• There is moderate evidence that PEP can increase sputum
expectoration, and moderate evidence that IPPV [16]
can increase sputum expectoration for males with PaO2
>60 mmHg.
• There is moderate evidence that the use of PEP can
decrease weaning time from non-invasive ventilation.
• There is moderate evidence showing a lack of effect with
the combination of postural drainage and percussion on
sputum expectoration, lung function and arterial blood
gases