The optimal rate of percussion has
not been determined. It has been
reported thatrapid percussion may
result in bronchospasm in patients with
hyperreactive airways .(Webber and
Pryor 1993). Frownfelter (1987) states
that some physiotherapists believe
percussion must be rapid to be
effective. However, Frownfelter (1987)
considers slow.percussion to be more
beneficial and better tolerated by
patientse There maybe a rate of
percussion which optimises airway
vibration and mucociliary clearance.
The presentstudy determined the
rates of application ofpercussion by
physiotherapists and these may be used
in future research to determine the
effect of the rate of percussion on
treatment efficacy.