Otimização do uso do Flutter VRP1 em reabilitação respiratória: Caracterização mecânica e desenvolvimento de programas de apoio ao usuário

Abstract

The Flutter VRP1 is a respiratory rehabilitation device designed to aid sputum clearance. Although the adequate use of this device depends on the airflow produced by the patient and the angle used, the relationship between these variables are not know and not usually taken into account in practice. The aims of this work were: (1) characterize the mechanical behavior of the cited device, and: (2) based on this characterization, create a program in order to optimize the use of this device. The mean deviation between the polynomial equations developed to describe the studied variables and experimental results were adequate for clinical use. The resultant program is small and easy of use. We concluded that this program might help professionals of respiratory rehabilitation on using Flutter VRP1. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.