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Impact of 3D-EIT-Guided Acapella Breathing Training on Lung Ventilation Distribution
Sponsor: Shanghai Zhongshan Hospital
Summary
The goal of this randomized clinical trial is to determine whether real-time visual feedback from three-dimensional electrical impedance tomography (3D-EIT) can improve the effects of Acapella breathing exercises in adults recovering from critical illness. 3D-EIT is a noninvasive bedside imaging method that provides real-time information about how ventilation is distributed within the lungs. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. Both groups will perform a standardized Acapella breathing exercise while 3D-EIT data and vital signs are recorded. Participants in the control group will receive routine verbal and demonstration-based breathing instructions without viewing the EIT images. Participants in the intervention group will receive the same instructions and will also view their own real-time 3D-EIT ventilation images. They will use this visual feedback to adjust their breathing with the goal of increasing ventilation in the dorsal regions of the lungs and/or achieving a more even distribution of ventilation. The main question is whether 3D-EIT-guided visual feedback results in a greater improvement in end-expiratory lung impedance (EELI) after breathing exercise compared with routine instruction alone. The study will also examine changes in regional ventilation distribution, ventilation inhomogeneity, vital signs, breathing discomfort, comfort and tolerance, achievement of the breathing-training target, and adverse events. Approximately 30 participants will be enrolled and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the two study groups.
Official title: Impact of Visualized 3D-EIT-Guided Acapella Breathing Training on Lung Ventilation Distribution: A Prospective Single-Center Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
30
Start Date
2026-07-31
Completion Date
2027-03-21
Last Updated
2026-07-29
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Acapella Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure Breathing Exercise
Participants will perform standardized breathing exercises using an Acapella oscillating positive expiratory pressure device. Each session will consist of 3 sets of 8-10 breaths, with 10-15 seconds of rest between breaths and 1-2 minutes of rest between sets. Participants will be instructed to inhale slowly and exhale through the Acapella device. The resistance setting will be predetermined and kept unchanged throughout the session.
Real-Time 3D Electrical Impedance Tomography Visual Biofeedback
Participants in the experimental group will view their own real-time 3D electrical impedance tomography (3D-EIT) ventilation images while performing standardized Acapella breathing exercises. The visual feedback will be used to guide breathing adjustments with the aim of increasing dorsal lung ventilation and/or improving ventilation homogeneity. The 3D-EIT system will also record ventilation data for outcome assessment.