Effect of respiratory physiotherapy on arterial oxygen tension

The effect of deep breathing on arterial oxygen tension was investigated in 45 postoperative patients. Arterial oxygen tension was estimated by the transcutaneous oxygen tension method, which allows continuous non-invasive measurement of the arterial oxygen tension changes. Three deep breaths in 1 min, assisted by three respiratory therapy devices, were compared to a standard physiotherapy programme. A peak increase in arterial oxygen tension of 3--4.5 mmHg occurred after 1 min, and significantly increased values were seen for 2--4 min following deep breathing with the three respiratory devices. From the various physiotherapeutic procedures, verbally and manually assisted deep breathing gave a 7 mmHg PO2 peak and significantly increased values for 6 min. The sign mechanism is discussed in the light of the present knowledge of airway closure, which gives a satisfactory explanation of the short-lasting increase in oxygen tension.