Manual hyperinflation improves alveolar recruitment in difficult-to-wean patients.

Study Objectives: To investigate the effect of manual hyperinflation (MH) in patients with atelectasis associated with ventilation support.

Design: Patients were randomized to either an experimental group or a control group.

Setting: Pulmonary ICUs from two hospitals.

Effect of acupuncture or acupressure on quality of life of patients with chronic obstructive asthma: a pilot study.

Objectives: Acupuncture and acupressure are known to relieve symptoms associated with asthma, but the benefits to patients with chronic obstructive asthma have not been fully evaluated. In this pilot clinical study, acupuncture or acupressure was incorporated into the standard care for adult patients with chronic obstructive asthma to determine their contribution to the improvement of their quality of life and relief of symptoms.

Design: A prospective, randomized study that involved 8 weeks of treatment at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (Tao-Yuan, Taiwan) was conducted between March 1997 and September 1998.