An investigation of the early effects of manual lung hyperinflation in critically ill patients

Abstract

This prospective within-group multicentre study was designed to assess the safety and short-term effectiveness of manual lung hyperinflation in mechanically ventilated patients. Eighteen patients from the intensive care units of two tertiary institutions were included and acted as their own control. Manual lung hyperinflation treatment involved patient positioning (side-lying), suctioning and manual lung hyperinflation, Side-lying treatment involved patient positioning and suctioning alone. Patients received both treatments on the day of data collection. Results demonstrated significant improvement for static respiratory system compliance (P = 0.001) with manual lung hyperinflation treatment..