Effects of Vibrax (Mechanical Vibrations) on the Arterial Blood Gases of Patients in the Intensive Care Unit after Cardiac Surgery

Abstract

Respiratory physiotherapy is an integral part of the care of patients in intensive care units (ICU) after cardiac surgery. One of the most commonly used techniques in ICU to prevent pulmonary complications are mechanical vibrations, which can be applied with a tool called Vibrax.The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Vibrax (mechanical vibrations) on the arterial blood gases of patients in ICU during the 1. or 2.day after cardiac surgery. A randomized controlled pilot study was conducted with 23 patients. The participants of the control group (CG) received a cardiovascular training with mobilization to the edge of the bed and active breathing exercises. On the patients of the intervention group (IG) additionally Vibrax was applied for 5 minutes. As primary outcome parameter the PaO2/FiO2 ratio was measured. In the CG no significant changes over time were observed (p ≥ 0.06). The IG showed a significant (p = 0.009) increase in the PaO2/FiO2 ratio from before the physiotherapy intervention (M = 296.52, SE = 34.94 mmHg) to 60 minutes after completion of the physiotherapy intervention (M = 331.39, SE = 48.14 mmHg). There was no significant difference between the CG and IG at any measuring time (p ≥ 0.09). The results of this pilot study indicate that the application of Vibrax has positive effects on the arterial blood gases of patients in ICU on the 1. or 2.day after cardiac surgery. But whether the effects are clinically relevant could not be clarified.