The Cystic Fibrosis Trust have worked with the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Cystic Fibrosis (ACPCF) to produce a series of leaflets to complement the advice and teaching physiotherapists give to people with cystic fibrosis. The information in these leaflets is based on clinical best practice and consensus of opinion by physiotherapists within the ACPCF.
This series includes nine leaflets, which are available for download here and can be ordered in hard copy from our helpline.
We recommend that these leaflets are only used if they have been given to you by your physiotherapist, who will have decided if it is a suitable treatment for you to undertake. If you have taken this leaflet directly from our website, please do not use it without first consulting with your physiotherapist.
The Acapella® Choice
The Acapella® Choice is a handheld device, which supports airway clearance for children and adults. This leaflet explains how to carry out your Acapella® treatment.
Download the leaflet (340KB)
Active Cycles of Breathing Technique
Active Cycle of Breathing Techniques, or ACBT, is an airway clearance technique. It uses a number of different breathing techniques that, when combined, help to clear sputum from the lungs. This leaflet explains how ACBT works.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have a printed copy of this leaflet, please be aware that the video link on page three is incorrect. Please view the correct video by downloading the leaflet above. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Download the leaflet (2.2MB)
Airway clearance plan
This airway clearance plan is to be filled in with your CF physiotherapist to plan your airway clearance.
Download the leaflet (199KB)
Airway clearance for babies and young children
In this leaflet you will find information about the lungs and how cystic fibrosis (CF) affects them. It covers the importance of exercise and airway clearance in babies and young children.
Download the leaflet (3.9MB)
Autogenic Drainage
Autogenic drainage (AD) is a technique that utilises changes in your breathing and does not require equipment. This leaflet explains how it works, how to do it and includes an airway clearance plan template.
Download the leaflet (1.6MB)
Bubble PEP
Bubble PEP is a fun way for children to clear sputum from their lungs. PEP stands for Positive Expiratory Pressure. This leaflet explains how Bubble PEP works.
Download the leaflet (240KB)
How to improve your posture
This guide explains the common postural problems that people with cystic fibrosis (CF) can have and shows you how you can improve your posture through simple, effective exercises.
Download the leaflet (5.7MB)
How to use a PEP mask
A PEP mask is a hand-held device which supports airway clearance for children and adults. This leaflet explains how a PEP mask works and how to use one.
Download the leaflet (372KB)
PARI PEP™
The PARI PEP™ is a hand held device which supports airway clearance for children and adults. This leaflet explains how PARI PEP™ works and how to use one.
Download the leaflet (250KB)
Pelvic floor exercises (female)
This is a guide for strengthening the pelvic floor. It explains what the pelvic floor is, what causes pelvic floor weakness in people with CF and exercises you can do to improve your pelvic floor.
Download the leaflet (216KB)
Further information
Please take a look at our consensus document, Standards of Care and Good Clinical Practice for the Physiotherapy Management of Cystic Fibrosis for more information on standards of care and good practice in physiotherapy.