The aim of the study was to examine the feasibility and efficacy of chest physiotherapy (CPT) guided by electrical impedance tomography (EIT) compared to conventional CPT in patient with pneumonia.
Sixty patients were randomized to the control and EIT-guided groups. The subjects were given clinical treatment of pneumonia. Two sessions of CPT (morning and afternoon, 20 minutes each) were conducted in both groups. Individual treatment program was determined prior to the randomization. In addition to conventional CPT, treatment was guided based on the real-time ventilation distribution in the EIT-guided group.
The time required for temperature returning to normal was significantly longer in the control group (2 (2, 3) vs. 2 (1, 2) days, control vs. EIT-guided groups respectively; p=0.04). More days were needed until the absence of purulent sputum in the control group (5 (4, 6) vs. 3 (3, 4) days; p0.0001). In average, the patients in the EIT-guided group spent 1 day less in the hospital and ~10% less money (10 (9, 10) vs. 9 (8, 9) hospital days, p0.0001; 12240 (11635, 12838) vs. 11023 (10245, 11984) CNY for the cost of hospitalization, p=0.001). With the guidance of EIT, the patients were more satisfied according to the survey score (14 (13, 15) vs. 24 (23, 24) out of 25 points, p0.0001).
EIT can be used to guide CPT in pneumonia patients. Compared to conventional CPT, physiotherapist can develop individualized CPT plan with the real-time visual feedback provided EIT, which resulted in better outcomes.
EIT can be used to guide CPT in patients with pneumonia. Compared to conventional CPT, physiotherapist can develop individualized CPT plan with the real-time visual feedback provided EIT, which resulted in shorter symptom improvement time, hospital stay and cost. Besides, EIT-guided treatment also improves patients’ treatment experience and compliance.
Chest physiotherapy
pneumonia
