Does prone positioning improve oxygen saturation in a patient with cystic fibrosis? An alternating-treatment single case design

Chest physiotherapy involves the use of a package of techniques directed at a variety of problems including those experienced by patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Positioning forms an integral part of chest physiotherapy; yet the role of positioning has rarely been investigated. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of prone positioning with the effects of a physiotherapy package within an alternating single case design in a patient with CF. Measurements of oxygen saturation (SaO-2) and sputum production were recorded over a 5 day period during both physiotherapy and prone positioning sessions. Both physiotherapy and prone positioning improved SaO-2 values. Readings of SaO-2 within each session during prone positioning showed more improvement than those recorded during physiotherapy; however, mean SaO-2 and sputum production were significantly greater during physiotherapy. The implications for clinical practice are discussed.