PURPOSE: This systematic review evaluates the evidence for cardiorespiratory physical therapy (CRPT) techniques in the management of patients with acute medical conditions. We reviewed the evidence for the CRPT management of atelectasis, pneumonia, acute respiratory failure, pneumothorax, pleural effusion, deep vein thrombosis, and acute myocardial infarction. METHODS: Relevant articles were identified from the CINAHL, Embase, and Medline databases. Articles were assessed to determine eligibility. Only randomized (controlled and crossover) trials were included. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies were included. No meta-analyses were performed because differences between studies prevented meaningful pooling of results. Recommendations were made to position patients with unilateral disease (primarily pneumonia) in the side-lying position with the affected side uppermost and those with acute respiratory distress syndrome in the prone position. No recommendations were possible for patients with atelectasis, pneumonia, pneumothorax, pleural effusion, deep vein thrombosis, or acute myocardial infarction. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review provides a rigorous summary and analysis of the literature for CRPT for acute medical conditions and highlights the need for more research in the area.

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A brief summary and a critical assessment of this review may be available at DARE