Observation on the application effect of chest physical therapy based on lung ultrasound signs in the respiratory management of mechanically ventilated patients

Hui Fang^1*Chen Xiuqin^2*Wu Yongrui²Li Zhang²Mengqi Sun²Zhengwei Li²

• ¹Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, China
• ²Taihe County People's Hospital, Wuhu, China

Objective: To explore the efficacy of chest physical therapy guided by lung ultrasound in the respiratory management of patients with invasive mechanical ventilation. Methods: A prospective study design was adopted. A total of 100 patients with invasive mechanical ventilation admitted to the ICU of the hospital from January 2024 to March 2025 were selected and divided into an observation group and a control group, with 50 cases in each group, by the random number table method. The control group received chest physical therapy guided by conventional auscultation combined with chest X-ray, while the observation group received chest physical therapy guided by lung ultrasound. The lung ultrasound scores (LUS), diaphragmatic function parameters (displacement and thickening rate) and blood gas indicators of the two groups were compared after 3 days and 7 days of treatment. The duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU stay time and complication incidence were also recorded. Results: After 3 days and 7 days of treatment, the LUS of the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). In terms of diaphragmatic function, there was no significant difference between the two groups after 3 days of treatment (P > 0.05); the observation group demonstrated significantly greater diaphragmatic displacement and thickening rate than the control group after 7 days (P < 0.05). Blood gas analysis showed that the partial pressure of oxygen and oxygenation index of the observation group were increased compared with the control group, and the partial pressure of carbon dioxide was decreased (all P < 0.05). The duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay in the observation group were shorter, and the total incidence of complications (e.g., ventilator-associated pneumonia) was 14% lower (all P < 0.05). Conclusion: Chest physical therapy guided by lung ultrasound can effectively improve pulmonary ventilation and diaphragmatic function in patients on mechanical ventilation, enhance oxygenation efficiency, shorten the treatment cycle, and reduce the risk of complications. These findings demonstrate its significant clinical value and promote its wider application.