This randomized clinical trial investigated the effectiveness of chest compression-decompression and chest block manoeuvres, compared to usual care, in mechanically ventilated patients. Fifty-one participants were randomized; no significant differences were found in static compliance, the primary outcome. The control group showed more favorable oxygen saturation. Other secondary outcomes (atelectasis incidence, ventilation duration, hospital/ICU stay, extubation success, mortality) also showed no significant between-group differences. The study concludes that these pulmonary expansion manoeuvres do not offer significant benefit compared to usual care.
