Effect of active cycle of breathing technique combined with oscillating positive expiratory pressure training in elderly patients with acute exacerbation of COPD after extubationWen Dan, Liang Zhenghua, Yang Xiuru, Wan Li, He Haiya.Intensive Care Unit, Mianyang Central Hospital, Mianyang 621000, China Abstract: Objective To explore the application effect of active cycle of breathing technique combined with oscillating positive expiratory pressure technique in respiratory function training among elderly patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) after extubation. Methods A total of 72 elderly patients with AECOPD after extubation in the intensive care unit and respiratory medicine intensive care unit were randomized into a control group (n=35) and an experimental group (n=37). The control group was treated with active cycle of breathing technique when conducting respiratory function training, while the experimental group additionally combined with oscillating positive expiratory pressure technique. The incidence of re-intubation within 48 hours after extubation, the improvement of cough, sputum and dyspnea, lung function and blood gas indexes were compared between the two groups. Results There wasn′t statistically significant difference in re-intubation rate between the two groups (P>0.05). The scores of cough, sputum and dyspnea in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group, its PaO2 was significantly higher than that of the control group, and its PaCO2 was significantly lower than that of the control group (all P<0.05). The ICU stay duration after extubation in the experimental group was significantly shorter than that in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion For elderly patients with AECOPD after extubation, the auxiliary respiratory function training of oscillating positive expiratory pressure technique can effectively promote their evacuation of respiratory secretions, improve clinical symptoms and shorten their duration of stay in ICU. Keywords: the elderly;chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;positive-pressure expiration;intratracheal intubation;active cycle of breathing technique;oscillating positive expiratory pressure technique;respiratory function training