Ventilator Induced Diaphragm Dysfunction & the Diaphragm’s Role in Cardiopulmonary Recovery – Monday, March 10th, 2025, 1:00pm-3:00pm ET

Course Overview

This course provides a refresher of the anatomy of diaphragm and highlights the clinical relevance of strength and function of the diaphragm as a core stabilizer as well as its role as a thoracoabdominal pump. This course expounds on the positive effects of diaphragmatic breathing which is integral for both mental and physical recovery of a patient after mechanical ventilation. Mechanical ventilation is responsible for Ventilator Induced Diaphragm Dysfunction (VIDD); thus, this course reviews the physiological negative effects of mechanical ventilation and how physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, and other healthcare providers can help negate the negative effects and promote faster patient recovery. The systemic causes of diaphragm weakness are also discussed with case studies. 

At the end of this course, healthcare professionals will demonstrate an improved understanding of the importance of posture and the roles of the diaphragm in gait, balance, and as a stabilizer. Professionals will be able to integrate new strategies in their practice to include patient exercises for strengthening and stretching of the diaphragm in laying, sitting, standing and ambulation through the gradual stages of rehabilitation post mechanical ventilation.