The use of oscillatory positive expiratory pressure (OPEP) devices: a systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: The indispensable application of the best evidence in the treatment of patients with respiratory diseases with increased tracheobronchial mucus production has led to the development of health technologies for the application of knowledge and skills organized in the form of devices, drugs, vaccines, procedures and systems to solve a health problem and improve the quality of life. Objective: The objective of this study was to update the knowledge about the real scenario of the use of international oscillatory positive expiratory pressure OPEP devices. Methods: Crossover randomized controlled trials were obtained from the PubMed, SciELO, Cochrane and UpToDate databases. Found 862 articles, 7 of which were included in the qualitative and quantitative analysis. Results: Predominantly the Flutter device was used in outpatient clinics of university hospitals with adults diagnosed with bronchiectasis with average age of 56.31 years. Treatment was ± 4.5 weeks lasting approximately 25 minutes. Conclusion: The educational campaigns about the OPEP should be carried out, to make the target population aware of the importance of using the devices, as well as for health professionals, to rescue the use in clinical practice.

Keywords

• airway clearance
• oscillatory positive expiratory pressure (opep)
• phisiotherapy
• physical therapy modalities