A power calculation conducted a priori indicated that 48 participants would provide 80% power at ??= 0.05 to detect a difference of 0.05 ml/cm[H.sub.2]O/kg in change in dynamic compliance between the groups, based on the results of a previous study (Morrow et al 2006).
Spearman's rank order correlation tests were used to assess relationships between participant characteristics, starting dynamic compliance, and the change in dynamic compliance in response to the recruitment manoeuvre.
There was no difference between the experimental and the control group in dynamic compliance, expired airway resistance, or oxygen saturation either immediately after the study intervention, or after 25 minutes.
There was no correlation between age, weight, starting dynamic compliance, Pa[O.sub.2]/Fi[O.sub.2] and the change in dynamic compliance after the study intervention (p > 0.10 for all).
Both the control and the experimental groups experienced an increase in dynamic compliance immediately after the study intervention.