Randomization and blinding
The participants included in the study were randomized into two groups. The control group received usual care, and the intervention group received usual care plus lung expansion manoeuvres throughout their duration of mechanical ventilation.Participants were randomly assigned to each arm of the study at a 1:1 ratio using a list of random numbers generated by an independent individual who was not otherwise involved in the study. The randomization process was conducted through the website The participants were blinded during the ventilatory mechanics and oxygenation assessment because of sedation. The physiotherapists responsible for the interventions for both groups and other care providers were blinded for all outcomes. The evaluator was responsible for the follow-up outcomes was blinded to the participants’ allocation, ventilatory mechanics and oxygenation outcomes. The evaluator who performed the ventilatory mechanics and oxygenation measurements was not blinded to the participants’ allocation.