The results of our investigation demonstrate that
the addition of percussion to level and head-down
side-lying positions did not significantly affect systolic
and diastolic blood pressures. No previous studies
were found that specifically isolated and examined
the influence of percussion on blood pressure on
cardiovascular variables in healthy subjects or patients.
Pulmonary physical therapy that included percussion
or other manual techniques or both was reported
to affect the cardiovascular system. Physical
therapy consisting of alternate side lying with percussion,
vibration, and breathing exercises followed by
coughing in the sitting position reportedly reduces
cardiac output when administered to patients within
24 hours after a mitral valve replacement.5
Hyperinflation
and vigorous chest compressions to produce
artificial coughs and expiratory vibration have been
associated with marked fluctuations in cardiac output
in patients who were mechanically ventilated during
respiratory failure.6
The fall in cardiac output was
attributed to a decrease in venous return in lethargic
patients, whereas the rise in cardiac output seemed
related to patients' apprehensions and active resistance
to treatment.6
Decreased3
and increased4
blood
pressures have been noted by other authors to occur
with manual hyperinflation.