Respiratory Physiotherapy Course

Lesson 1 • Gas Exchange and Transport

Details oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange across the alveolar membrane and blood transport mechanisms. Grounds interpretation of arterial blood gas values.

Lesson 2 • Structural Organisation of the Airways

Covers upper and lower airway anatomy from nasal passages to alveoli. Provides the anatomical map essential for locating pathology and targeting interventions.

Lesson 3 • Mechanics of Breathing

Explains pressure gradients, muscle actions, and elastic recoil driving ventilation. Links mechanical principles to clinical signs of respiratory distress.

Lesson 4 • Respiratory Control Mechanisms

Examines central and peripheral chemoreceptor regulation of breathing rate and depth. Supports understanding of abnormal breathing patterns seen in clinical practice.

Lesson 1 • Restrictive and Parenchymal Conditions

Examines interstitial lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, and pleural disorders reducing lung expansion. Distinguishes restrictive patterns from obstructive ones for treatment selection.

Lesson 2 • Obstructive Airway Diseases

Covers pathophysiology of asthma, COPD, and bronchiectasis including airflow limitation mechanisms. Connects disease mechanisms to expected physical findings.

Lesson 3 • Infectious and Inflammatory Conditions

Reviews pneumonia, bronchitis, and acute respiratory infections affecting secretion clearance and gas exchange. Guides selection of airway clearance and ventilatory support strategies.

Lesson 4 • Paediatric and Neonatal Respiratory Conditions

Addresses bronchiolitis, cystic fibrosis, and neonatal respiratory distress unique to younger populations. Adapts pathology knowledge to age-specific physiotherapy approaches.

Lesson 1 • Pulmonary Function and Diagnostic Interpretation

Interprets spirometry, peak flow, and arterial blood gas results within clinical context. Integrates diagnostic data into physiotherapy problem identification.

Lesson 2 • Chest Inspection and Observation

Trains systematic visual assessment of breathing pattern, chest shape, and accessory muscle use. Identifies observable signs guiding further examination priorities.

Lesson 3 • Auscultation and Percussion Skills

Develops accurate identification of breath sounds, adventitious sounds, and percussion notes. Localises pathology to guide targeted physiotherapy treatment zones.

Lesson 4 • Clinical Reasoning and Problem Prioritisation

Applies assessment findings to generate a physiotherapy diagnosis and ranked problem list. Bridges evaluation data to individualised treatment planning.

Lesson 1 • Oscillatory and Positive Expiratory Pressure Devices

Covers PEP therapy, oscillating PEP devices, and high-frequency chest wall oscillation. Guides device selection based on patient ability, condition, and evidence.

Lesson 2 • Active Cycle of Breathing Technique

Teaches the three-phase ACBT sequence of breathing control, thoracic expansion, and forced expiration. Trains patients in self-directed independent secretion clearance.

Lesson 3 • Principles of Secretion Clearance

Explains mucociliary transport, cough mechanics, and factors impairing secretion removal. Provides the physiological rationale for all airway clearance interventions.

Lesson 4 • Postural Drainage and Positioning

Applies gravity-assisted positioning to drain specific bronchopulmonary segments. Combines positioning with percussion and vibration for enhanced secretion mobilisation.

Lesson 1 • Pursed-Lip and Paced Breathing

Trains pursed-lip breathing to slow expiratory flow and reduce dynamic airway collapse. Applies pacing strategies to manage exertional dyspnoea in COPD and similar conditions.

Lesson 2 • Diaphragmatic Breathing Retraining

Teaches techniques to restore diaphragm-dominant breathing and reduce accessory muscle overuse. Addresses the foundational pattern underlying most breathing retraining programmes.

Lesson 3 • Inspiratory Muscle Training

Applies threshold and flow-resistive loading to strengthen inspiratory muscles. Quantifies training load using maximal inspiratory pressure measurements.

Lesson 4 • Positioning for Ventilatory Optimisation

Uses body position to improve ventilation-perfusion matching and reduce the work of breathing. Applies evidence-based positioning in acute, ICU, and community settings.

Lesson 1 • Principles and Indications for Oxygen Therapy

Defines hypoxaemia thresholds, oxygen delivery targets, and risks of inappropriate supplementation. Establishes the clinical rationale for controlled versus high-flow oxygen use.

Lesson 2 • High-Flow Nasal Cannula Therapy

Covers heated humidified high-flow nasal cannula physiology, setup, and monitoring. Positions HFNC as an intermediate support option between standard oxygen and NIV.

Lesson 3 • Non-Invasive Ventilation Fundamentals

Explains CPAP and bilevel pressure support modes, indications, and contraindications. Builds the conceptual foundation for safe NIV initiation and management.

Lesson 4 • NIV Weaning and Long-Term Management

Guides systematic reduction of NIV support and transition to nocturnal or home use. Addresses equipment management and patient education for community settings.

Lesson 1 • Exercise Testing for Rehabilitation

Applies field and laboratory exercise tests to quantify functional capacity and guide prescription. Selects appropriate tests based on patient condition and clinical setting.

Lesson 2 • Behaviour Change and Self-Management

Integrates education, goal setting, and self-efficacy strategies into rehabilitation delivery. Sustains long-term physical activity and reduces hospital readmission rates.

Lesson 3 • Foundations of Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Defines pulmonary rehabilitation components, evidence base, and patient selection criteria. Establishes the multidisciplinary framework within which physiotherapists operate.

Lesson 4 • Aerobic Exercise Prescription

Prescribes intensity, duration, frequency, and modality of aerobic training for respiratory patients. Applies FITT principles adjusted for ventilatory limitation and symptom burden.

Lesson 1 • Early Mobilisation in Critical Care

Implements progressive mobility protocols from passive movement to ambulation in ICU patients. Reduces ICU-acquired weakness and shortens mechanical ventilation duration.

Lesson 2 • Physiotherapy for Mechanically Ventilated Patients

Delivers airway clearance, positioning, and early mobilisation to intubated patients. Minimises ventilator-associated complications and accelerates weaning readiness.

Lesson 3 • ICU Environment and Patient Assessment

Orients clinicians to ICU monitoring, ventilator displays, and sedation scales relevant to physiotherapy. Adapts assessment approach to the critically ill, non-communicative patient.

Lesson 4 • Tracheostomy Management and Decannulation

Covers tracheostomy tube types, inner cannula care, and physiotherapy-led decannulation protocols. Develops competence in managing the tracheostomised patient across care settings.