Respiratory Physiotherapy and Diaphragm Thickness in Ventilated ICU Patients

This study aims to evaluate the effect of respiratory physiotherapy on diaphragm thickness in patients receiving mechanical ventilation support in the intensive care unit. Thinning and dysfunction of the diaphragm muscle observed during mechanical ventilation complicate the extubation process and increase the risk of respiratory failure in patients. Diaphragm dysfunction prolongs ventilator use and increases ICU mortality. The main objective of this research is to determine whether respiratory physiotherapy has protective or ameliorative effects on diaphragm muscle structure and function, to optimize the ventilator weaning process, and to provide scientific contributions to the field of respiratory rehabilitation. Changes in diaphragm thickness will be objectively evaluated using ultrasonography, and the aim is to obtain evidence-based data on the effectiveness of respiratory physiotherapy.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 years or older * Receiving invasive mechanical ventilation * Expected to require invasive mechanical ventilation for at least 7 days * Hemodynamically stable Exclusion Criteria: * Neuromuscular disease * Trauma-related diaphragmatic injury * Chest wall deformity affecting respiration * Terminal stage of illness * Contraindication to respiratory physiotherapy * Presence of a cardiac pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)