title: Effects of Autogenic Drainage on Sputum Recovery and Pulmonary Function in People with Cystic Fibrosis: A Systematic Review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the effects of short- and long-term use of autogenic drainage (AD) on pulmonary function and sputum recovery in people with cystic fibrosis (CF).
  
  
  METHODS
  The authors conducted a systematic review of randomized and quasi-randomized clinical trials in which participants were people with CF who use AD as their sole airway clearance technique.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Searches in 4 databases and secondary sources using 5 key terms yielded 735 articles, of which 58 contained the terms autogenic drainage and cystic fibrosis. Ultimately, 4 studies, 2 of which were long term, were included. All measured forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and found no change. The long-term studies were underpowered to detect change in FEV1; however, the short-term studies found a clinically significant sputum yield (≥4 g).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  AD has been shown to produce clinically significant sputum yields in a limited number of investigations. The effect of AD on the function of the pulmonary system remains uncertain, and questions have emerged regarding the appropriateness of FEV1 as a valid measure of airway clearance from peripheral lung regions. Further consideration should be given to the use of FEV1 as a primary measure of the effect of AD.
authors: School of Physiotherapy.
authors: Kimbly
authors: K
authors: Morgan
authors: School of Physiotherapy.
authors: Kristin
authors: K
authors: Osterling
authors: School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Professions, Dalhousie University, Halifax, N.S.
authors: Robert
authors: R
authors: Gilbert
authors: School of Physiotherapy.
authors: Gail
authors: G
authors: Dechman
keywords: airway obstruction; autogenic drainage; cystic fibrosis; outcome measures; systematic review