Thorax
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The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in breathing pattern, neuromuscular drive (P0.1), and activity of the sternocleidomastoid muscles (SCM) during a gradual reduction in pressure support ventilation (PSV) in patients being weaned off controlled mechanical ventilation. ⋯ In postoperative septic patients the value of P0.1 seems to be more useful than breathing pattern parameters for setting the optimal level of pressure assistance during PSV.