Output details

Are crackles an appropriate outcome measure for airway clearance therapy?

Significance of output:

Cystic fibrosis (CF) and bronchiectasis (Br) are diseases with high premature mortality rates: median survival time for CF is 20 years from diagnosis; for Br, 75% survival rate 9 years from diagnosis. A significant part of treatment is physiotherapy-based, yet a validated measure of the efficacy of such treatments does not exist. This fundamental work showed that pulmonary crackles are responsive to a physiotherapy intervention and laid the foundation for methods to prolong life. The study is collaboration between ISVR and School of Health Sciences bringing together computerised physiological measurement and analysis with clinical practice to enhance healthcare.