Active cycle of breathing (ACB) technique

Video: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvorhwGZGm8

• Active cycle of breathing (ACB) 
  • Simple 3 step phase 
  • Focuses on breathing and huff cough technique to remove secretions 
  1. Breathing control 
     • Teach the patient how to perform diaphragmatic breathing (what is a good starting position?p,242)
     • about 5 breaths from 5-10 secs each 
     • Can use tactile to reinforce 
  2. Thoracic expansion exercise 
     • 3-4 deep slow breaths during inhalation 
     • Ribs must expand during this phase 
     • Chest PT such as percussion/vibration can be done here 
  3. Forced expiratory technique 
     • 1-2 huffs during expiration 
     • When the lungs are at the mid-low lung volumes and the glottis is open (huff coughing technique)
  • Precautions/Contraindications
    • Brinchospasm 
    • Hyperreactive airways 
    • Splinting incision meant to assist with expiration