Clinical Research Directory

Abdominal Air-Pressure Resistance Versus Abdominal Weight Training for Improving Diaphragm Function in Healthy Young Adults

This study aims to compare the effects of abdominal air pressure resistance training, abdominal weight training, and breathing exercises on diaphragmatic strength, endurance, and physiological responses in young healthy adults. Forty-two healthy adults aged 18-35 years will be randomly allocated to one of three groups: abdominal air pressure resistance training, abdominal weight training, or breathing exercises. Participants will complete supervised training sessions three times per week for eight weeks, with standardized breathing cadence, training volume, and therapist contact time across groups. This trial will provide the first direct comparison of a programmable pneumatic abdominal loading method with traditional abdominal weight loading and standard breathing exercises in healthy young adults. The findings will help determine the relative effectiveness, tolerability, and safety of these interventions for enhancing diaphragmatic function. The results may contribute to the development of evidence-based respiratory muscle training strategies for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance enhancement.

Assessment of Reintubation Risk Using Multiple Parameters in Postoperative Intensive Care Unit Patients

This prospective, non-interventional observational study will evaluate the risk of reintubation in adult postoperative patients admitted to the intensive care unit after major surgery. Reintubation after extubation is an important clinical problem because it may increase complications, prolong mechanical ventilation, and extend intensive care and hospital stay. The study will include adult patients who are extubated in the operating room and admitted to the intensive care unit with spontaneous breathing. Within the first hours after ICU admission, bedside ultrasound measurements of diaphragm thickness, parasternal intercostal muscle thickness, and lung ultrasound score will be performed. The ROX index will also be calculated using oxygen saturation, inspired oxygen concentration, and respiratory rate. Perioperative fluid balance will be recorded from anesthesia and patient files. Patients will be followed for 48 to 72 hours after ICU admission to determine whether reintubation is required. The study aims to assess whether respiratory muscle ultrasound findings, lung ultrasound score, ROX index, and perioperative fluid balance can help predict reintubation risk in postoperative ICU patients. No additional treatment or intervention will be applied as part of the study, and all clinical decisions will be made by the responsible intensive care team according to routine clinical practice.