The Effect of Semi-recumbent Position With Exercise Training on Long-term Ventilator-dependent Patients

Prolonged mechanical ventilation patients rely on medical expenses per year had increased by nearly 20 billion in 15 years, so it is worthwhile to explore how to improve the respiratory function and even their quality of life of patients in Respiratory care wards (RCWs). This study used repeated experimental measurements and purpose sampling, and the investigators invited patients in respiratory care ward in northern Taiwan. They were randomly assigned to the experimental group and the control group. The experimental group was given 45 degree Semi-sitting 2 hrs and upper-limb exercise training 10 mins once a day. There were 29 prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) patients in the experimental group and 26 in the control group. Our conclusions showed that PMV patients can significantly improve the maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) in the post-test while performed a 45-degree semi-sitting position with upper limb training for 4 weeks. The minute ventilation (MV) has a trend of increasing month by month in the experimental group, but it is necessary to consider whether it is due to the improvement of lung function or just cause of the increased oxygen consumption and accelerated respiratory rate, so it can not be inferred to improvement of the patient's condition or lung function.