A new tuning fork with different vibration frequencies as an aid to bronchopulmonary hygiene physiotherapy

José Roberto de Alcântara; Roberta Munhoz Manzano; Maicon Gabriel Gonçalves; Rodrigo Leonel dos Santos; Daniel Donaire Albino; Nadua Apostólico; Nina Teixeira Fonseca; Jéssica Julioti Urbano; Célio Guilherme Lombardi Daibem; Claudio F. Donner; Camila Gimenes; Alexandre Ricardo Pepe Ambrozin; Luis Vicente Franco de Oliveira

doi:10.4081/mrm.2014.376

A new tuning fork with different vibration frequencies as an aid to bronchopulmonary hygiene physiotherapy

Authors

José Roberto de Alcântara Master’s and PhD Degree Rehabilitation Sciences Program, Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), São Paulo, SP,
Roberta Munhoz Manzano Physical Therapy Course in Faculdades Integradas de Bauru, Bauru, SP,
Maicon Gabriel Gonçalves Graduated in Faculdades Integradas de Bauru, Bauru, SP
Rodrigo Leonel dos Santos Graduated in Faculdades Integradas de Bauru, Bauru, SP
Daniel Donaire Albino Universidade Paulista (UNIP), Bauru, SP
Nadua Apostólico Master’s and PhD Degree Rehabilitation Sciences Program, Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), São Paulo, SP
Nina Teixeira Fonseca Master’s and PhD Degree Rehabilitation Sciences Program, Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), São Paulo, SP
Jéssica Julioti Urbano Master’s and PhD Degree Rehabilitation Sciences Program, Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), São Paulo, SP
Célio Guilherme Lombardi Daibem
Claudio F. Donner Mondo Medico, Multidisciplinary and Rehabilitation Outpatient Clinic, Borgomanero (NO)
Camila Gimenes Physical Therapy Course in FaculdadesIntegradas de Bauru, Bauru, SP
Alexandre Ricardo Pepe Ambrozin Physical Therapy Course in Universidade Estadual Paulista “Julio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), Marília, SP
Luis Vicente Franco de Oliveira Master’s and PhD Degree Rehabilitation Sciences Program, Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), São Paulo, SP

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4081/mrm.2014.376

Keywords:

Airway clearance, Chest wall oscillation, Respiratory therapy

Abstract

Background: The main function of the mucociliary system is the removal of particles or substances that are potentially harmful to the respiratory tract. The tuning fork therapeutic for the purpose of bronchial hygiene has still not been described in the literature. The optimal vibration frequency to mobilize secretions is widely debated and varies between 3 and 25 Hz. It is expected that a tuning fork is able to generate vibrations in the thorax, facilitating bronchial hygiene. The aim of the present study is to develop tuning forks with different frequencies, for use in bronchopulmonary hygiene therapy.

Methods: The first tuning fork was made with a fixed frequency of 25 Hz and it was recorded in the Brazilian institution of patent registration. This device generated a frequency of 25 Hz and had a weight of 521 g, with dimensions of 600 mm in total length. The device is characterized by a bottom end containing a transducer with a diameter of 62 mm and a thickness of 5/16 mm (8''), a rod removable 148 mm, fork length of 362 mm and an extension at the upper end of sinuous shape bilaterally.The tuning forks must be applied at an angle of 90° directly on the chest wall of the patient after pulmonary auscultation for location of secretions. The tuning fork is activated by squeezing the tips of the extensions together and releasing them in a sudden movement.

Results: This study shows the result of the development of others three tuning forks of different dimensions to generate different frequencies. Each equipment reaches a fixed frequency preset of 12, 15 and 20 Hz measured by digital oscilloscope.

Conclusions: The tuning fork models developed in this study generated different frequencies proposed by the scientific literature as effective in the mobilization of pulmonary secretions.