Breath and Air Stacking on Respiratory Mechanics in Tracheostomized Patients

Comparison Between Breath Stacking and Air Stacking on Respiratory Mechanics and Ventilatory Pattern in Tracheostomized Patients: Randomized Crossover Trial

The researchers hypothesized that the aid of the resuscitator by the technique Air Stacking increase lung volume, promoting increased lung compliance and improvement of the ventilatory pattern. In addition, Air Stacking does not depend on patient collaboration. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of breath stacking and air stacking techniques on respiratory mechanics and ventilatory pattern in patients admitted to the ICU

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients without mechanical ventilation for more than 72 hours
• Mucus hypersecretion (defined as the need for suctioning < 2-h intervals)

Exclusion Criteria:

• bronchospasm.
• Pleural effusion or pneumothorax undrained.
• Bronchopleural or tracheoesophageal fistula.
• Neuromuscular disease.