Effects of active cycle of breathing techniques combined with external diaphragm pacing on respiratory function recovery in severe stroke patients with tracheotomy.

BACKGROUND: Stroke causes a variety of dysfunctions, and thus the rehabilitation of such patients is important. The respiratory rehabilitation is necessary for stroke patients undergoing tracheotomy. The aim of this study was to provide evidences for a new rehabilitation program of the combination of active cycle of breathing technique (ACBT) with external diaphragm pacing (EDP) for the improvement of respiratory rehabilitation in severe stroke patients with tracheotomy.

METHODS: Data were collected from 50 patients, who received conventional therapy and ACBT. Among these patients, 25 cases additionally received EDP therapy. The therapeutic effects of the treatment were evaluated by assessing diaphragmatic ultrasound, arterial blood gas analysis, chest CT examinations and rehabilitation scale scores at 3 time points of prior treatment, 3 weeks and 6 weeks after treatment.

RESULTS: The data analyzed in this study showed that after the treatment, the diaphragmatic excursion and thickening rate, PaO2 showed increased, PaCO2, Borg and VAS scores were decreased compared to the data before the treatment, in both ACBT and ACBT+EDP groups. What is noteworthy is that the data above showed more improved in ACBT combined with EDP group than that in ACBT alone group.

CONCLUSION: The combination method of ACBT plus EDP improves the respiratory function more significantly compared to the application of ACBT alone. Severe stroke patients can try to use this method, so as to improve the respiratory function and promote functional recovery.