Physiotherapy management in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis: a systematic review

Abstract

Physiotherapy approaches like pulmonary rehabilitation, respiratory exercises, airway clearance methods, chest physiotherapy, organized physical training have been progressively included in PTB treatment. These interventions are designed to improve lung function, facilitate sputum clearance, boost physical conditioning, regain functional independence. To find various physiotherapy interventions for patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. A systematic review was carried out descriptively in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar were explored using terms associated with pulmonary tuberculosis and physiotherapy treatments. research published over the past decade was included. Qualifying designs included randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, observational studies, and systematic reviews. Following the review of 50 records and the elimination of duplicates, 10 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis. Studies in the review showed that physiotherapy methods—like pulmonary rehabilitation, breathing exercises, chest physiotherapy, effective coughing strategies, airway clearance techniques, organized exercise training—greatly enhanced lung function measures (FEV1, FVC), exercise capacity (6-minute walk distance), sputum clearance, fatigue levels, and overall physical well-being. Furthermore, decreases in dyspnoea, anxiety, respiratory rate, and symptom burden were noted, enhancements in quality of life and functional independence. Physiotherapy treatment acts as a beneficial complement to medical therapy in pulmonary tuberculosis. It improves respiratory effectiveness, functional ability, and life quality while lessening symptoms and physical deterioration. Additional rigorous randomized controlled trials are required to develop standardized protocols and enhance treatment results.