A preliminary efficacy evaluation performed by opto-electronic plethysmography of asymmetric respiratory rehabilitation

The aim of present work is to test an optoelectronic system as diagnostic device to preliminary assess the efficacy of asymmetric respiratory rehabilitation. The respiratory rehabilitation efficacy, in terms of tidal volume variations, has been assessed for 14 patients undergone left or right superior lobectomy. Tidal volume variations of six torso compartments have been measured in pre-surgery, post-surgery and post-rehabilitation phases. Significant difference of total chest wall tidal volume has not been observed between the three phases. Tidal volume differences have been observed between paretic and healthy side. Significant tidal volume increase has been observed for non-operated side between pre-surgery and post-rehabilitation phases during quiet breathing, mean tidal volume increases of about 32%. Measurement results indicate that respiratory rehabilitation is more effective on non-operated side which, in turn, compensates the operated one. The opto-electronic plethysmograph appears to be a suitable instrument for evaluation of respiratory rehabilitation in case of respiratory volumes asymmetry.