Effectiveness of Manual Chest Compression and Decompression Technique on Lung Volumes and Pulse Oximetry in Mechanically Ventilated Patients: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Introduction: Intensive care unit (ICU) is a dynamic environment where physiotherapy is indispensable.There are various approaches of chest physiotherapy which were seen to be effective to improve lung health, which results early step down from ICU. Manual hyperinflation (MHI) and Manual chest compression and decompression maneuver (MCCD) are one of the inherent techniques of chest physiotherapy.The aim of the study is to find out the effectiveness of manual chest compression and decompression technique with MHI on lung volume and pulse oximetry in mechanically ventilated patients. Materials and Methods:A randomized control trial was done in a single specialty tertiary care hospital.Among 156 patients screened, 106 were selected, 53 on each group (group-A and group-B).Group-A (control) received only conventional therapy (MHI) and group-B (experimental) received MCCD with conventional therapy.Data was taken before therapy, immediate post-therapy and 40-minute post-therapy.Results: Overall, clinical improvement was shown on lung volume and oxygen saturation but the p-value was not significant (p > 0.05) on both the groups.Pearson's chi square test was used.There was neither significant improvement in conventional group nor significant difference was seen in both the groups. Conclusion:Though there was no statistically significant difference between both the groups but minor improvement was observed in experimental group on lung volume and oxygen saturation.However, the long-term outcomes of multiple therapy sessions on selected patient population remains to be determined in future study.Larger sample can throw more light on statistical analysis.