INTRODUCTION TO CARDIOPULMONARY PHYSIOTHERAPY

Question 1

What are the aims of cardiopulmonary physiotherapy? 6

Answer 1

1. Facilitate clearance of airway secretions
2. Improve the distribution of ventilation throughout the lungs thereby improving oxygenation levels
3. Enhance the efficiency of the muscles responsible for ventilation
4. Improve patients’ exercise capacity
5. Facilitate early rehabilitation in patients with acute cardiopulmonary conditions
6. Enhance functional independence and coping strategies in acute and chronic cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases with rehabilitation programmes

• Promote a healthy lifestyle

Question 2

What are the Indications for Cardiopulmonary
Physiotherapy? 10

Answer 2

The problems/ impairments commonly treated are:

1. Impaired airway clearance
2. Shortness of breath (dyspnoea)
3. Decreased exercise tolerance
4. Reduced lung volumes
5. Impaired gas exchange
6. Airflow limitations
7. Respiratory muscle dysfunction
8. Poor respiratory pattern
9. Pain
10. Musculoskeletal dysfunction

Question 3

What are the Components of effective Cardiopulmonary
Physiotherapy? 6

Answer 3

1. • Careful patient assessment.
2. • Clear definition of patient goals and physiotherapist aims of treatment.
3. • Effective application of the appropriate treatment technique.
4. • Ongoing assessment during treatment course.
5. • Reassessment after treatment and change treatment approach if needed
6. • Education of patient during treatment course and caregiver as needed to facility improved self-management.

Question 4

When observing the chest wall one evaluates: 4

Answer 4

1. Rib alignment: 45° degree downward angle
2. Diameter of the thoracic cage: Transverse diameter/ Anterior-posterior (AP) diameter
3. Curvature of the spine: Slight kyphosis
4. Sternum: Pectus excavatum or pectus carinatum