Intermittent positive pressure breathing; an adjunct in the rehabilitation of thoracic surgery patients.

In the past decade, important consideration has been given to the rehabilitation of post-operative thoracic surgery patients. Particularly in those institutions where large volumes of thoracic surgery have been done, the need for early restoration of shoulder function and chest motion has become obvious. As early as 1934, Miss Winifred Linton at the Brompton Hospital1 in London, instituted, under Mr. J. E. H. Roberts, a pioneer rehabilitation program in the field of non-tuberculous chest surgery. In 1938, Mr. Tudor Edwards initiated a program of controlled breathing and shoulder exercises for post-thoracoplasty patients, with special emphasis directed toward posture correction. It was largely through his interest that this type of treatment was brought to the attention of American physicians on duty in England during World Wan II. Since that time, similar rehabilitation programs have been adopted in this country, particularly in Army2’ 3, and Veterans’ Administration6’ 8 chest centers.