The acute respiratory distress syndrome is a severe and acute form of respiratory failure precipitated by a wide range of catastrophic events- including shock, septicaemia, major trauma, or aspiration or inhalation of noxious substances.

The aims of physiotherapy are:

Removal of retained secreations

Passive/Active movements


Chest Physiotherapy in this case involve four principal manoeuvers:

Positioning to enhance the removal of secretions and to improve gas exchange

Manual Hyperinflation

Endotracheal suction

Manual techniques which include shakings and vibrations


Passive and active exercises need to be performed regularly whilst the patient mobility remain restricted during the critical stages of their disease, in order to maintain the mobility of joints and extensibility of soft tissues (e.g. muscles, tendons and ligaments).