Physiotherapy research international : the journal for researchers and clinicians in physical therapy
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Manual hyperinflation is a physiotherapy technique that improves static compliance and mobilizes secretions, but has the potential to alter haemodynamic function. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of manual hyperinflation on haemodynamic function in a healthy animal model, without the usual confounding effects inherent in an heterogeneous intensive care population. ⋯ Significant haemodynamic changes occurred in this animal model. The increased intrathoracic pressure, applied for an increased period during inspiration, decreased cardiac output with compensatory vasoconstriction evident by the increased systemic vascular resistance and mean arterial pressure. The results suggest that there may be a decrease in cardiac output after increased positive pressure in subjects with normal cardiac and respiratory function.