Abstract: ObjectiveTo compare the effects of discharging sputum with machine vibration and percussion on back in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) complicated with lung infection.Methods33 patients were divided into machine group (n=18, discharging sputum with machine vibration) and percussion group (n=15, discharging sputum with percussion on back). Then the auscultation of lungs, change of Sp₂, abatement time of fever, white blood cells count and X-ray results of chest were compared to estimate the effect of discharging sputum.ResultsThere was a significant difference in the auscultation of lungs between the two groups ( P<0.05), while no significant difference was founded in the SpO₂ between two groups after sputum discharged ( P>0.05). The abatement time of fever was shortened significantly in the machine group after treatment( P<0.05). The X-ray results improved significantly in the machine group, compared with percussion group ( P< 0.05).ConclusionThe effect of discharging sputum with machine vibration is better than percussion on back.

Key words: spinal cord injury, percussion on back, vibration, discharging sputum, nursing