PTA Physical Therapy Assistant

Answer: B - Autogenic drainage technique has three phases of breathing - low lung volume, low to middle lung volume and middle to high lung volumes.

Autogenic drainage is used in the diaphragmatic breathing to mobilize secretions by varying the expiratory airflow. It has three phases.
Breathing at low lung volume helps to unstick the peripheral secretions.
Breathing at low to middle lung volume helps to collect the mucus in the middle airways. Breathing at middle to high lung volumes helps to evacuate the mucus from the central airways.

Active cycle of breathing technique also has three phases. But they are breathing control, thoracic expansion exercises, and forced expiratory technique.

Positive expiratory pressure devices are used. They are Acapella and TheraPEP.

Percussion is applied as a rhythmic force with cupped hands over the thorax area of the involved lung segments. It dislodges the secretions.