This study was conducted to determine the effects of a manual vibration technique applied to the chest wall on the duration of chest tube placement, secretion clearance, and hemodynamic parameters in patients with chest tubes.
This study was conducted to determine the effects of a manual vibration technique applied to the chest wall on the duration of chest tube placement, secretion clearance, and hemodynamic parameters in patients with chest tubes. Thoracic surgery is a method used in the treatment of diseases of the lungs, pleura, chest wall, and mediastinum. The primary problems encountered by patients postoperatively include improper patient positioning, incision pain, ineffective coughing, reduced lung volume, postoperative pulmonary complications, inadequate airway clearance, frozen shoulder on the side of the thoracotomy, postural abnormalities, and persistent chest wall tension. These issues, particularly pulmonary complications, can delay patient recovery, prolong hospital stays, and increase morbidity and mortality. Tube thoracostomy is a one-way drainage system that facilitates the drainage of fluid and air from the pleural space, maintains negative pressure, and allows for lung expansion. Additionally, it allows for the administration of therapeutic medications into the pleural space. Patients should be educated on respiratory exercises-such as coughing, balloon inflation, and the use of a triflowmeter-to facilitate lung expansion and secretion clearance, and they should be encouraged to perform these exercises regularly. A review of the literature reveals no studies investigating the effectiveness of manual vibration in patients with chest tubes. It is believed that this technique may shorten the duration of chest tube placement. Additionally, due to the lack of cost-effectiveness of mechanical vibration, supply issues, the inability to use it effectively on all patients in clinical settings, the recommendation for more frequent use, and the necessity of applying it based on the patient's needs rather than at regular intervals (such as every two hours)-a determination that must be made by the nurse closely monitoring the patient- it is anticipated that the manual vibration technique will provide greater benefits at regular intervals without incurring additional costs, as it adapts to the patient's needs and the clinic's operational schedule throughout the day.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
60
Manual chest wall vibration is applied with the patient in a semi-Fowler's position during the expiratory phase of breathing. The practitioner places both hands flat on the chest wall and delivers gentle, rhythmic vibrations, starting from the lower lobes and progressing toward the upper lobes. Patients are instructed to inhale slowly through the nose and exhale using a pursed-lip breathing technique with a 1:2 inspiration-expiration ratio. The procedure is performed for approximately 5 minutes, corresponding to about 10 respiratory cycles, and is typically applied during the patient's rest period following routine care.
Control group patients were informed about the study and provided written consent. They received only routine nursing care, with no additional interventions applied. Baseline measurements were taken at 0 minutes, including dyspnea (MBS), pain (VNRS), vital signs, and arterial blood gas values. Following routine care, the same parameters were reassessed at 3, 5, and 10 minutes and recorded. No manual chest wall vibration was performed; only standard clinical monitoring was maintained. The same assessment protocol was repeated in the evening session.
Institute of Health Sciences, Saglik Bilimleri University
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
RECRUITINGPatient Follow-Up Form
Changes in respiratory and hemodynamic parameters (including respiratory rate, peripheral oxygen saturation, heart rate, blood pressure), dyspnea severity (Modified Borg Scale), and pain intensity (Visual Numeric Rating Scale) measured before the intervention and at 0, 1, 5, 10, and 15 minutes after the intervention.
Time frame: 1 day
Post-Operative Respiratory Status Questionnaire
A 6-item patient-reported questionnaire using a 5-point Likert scale will be used to assess postoperative respiratory symptoms and adherence to breathing exercises. Higher scores indicate better outcomes.
Time frame: 1 day
Questionnaire on manual chest wall vibration therapy
A 9-item Likert-type questionnaire will be used to assess patient comfort, perceived benefit, and satisfaction with manual chest wall vibration. Higher scores indicate more favorable outcomes.
Time frame: 1 day
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