Inspiratory muscle training liberated the hard-to-wean

In a rare encouraging positive study in the chronically critically ill, 71% of vent-dependent patients (~6 weeks on MV) who did multiple sets of daily inspirations backwards through a PEEP valve weaned from mechanical ventilation (defined as >72 hrs off the vent), vs. 47% receiving a sham treatment. MIP also improved by 10 cmH2O in the treatment group, in University of Florida ICUs. (n=69). Critical Care 2011;15:R84. FULL FREE TEXT