Author Response

Excerpt

In the commentary, Dr Dean questions the basis for the conclusions reached in our article based on the methodological problems of the source studies used in the meta-analysis, as well as heterogeneity within the analysis.

We concur with the view that body positioning and mobilization potentially have much value, and that is why they characterize much of the usual postoperative care and protocol delivered by physical therapists (vide infra) and other health professionals working in the perioperative setting. Quantification of the stimuli that will or may alter ventilation/perfusion patterns in the initial postoperative recovery will provide a substantial challenge for most investigators, given the numerous brief disturbances and events that occur around the patient.

The minimal methodological standard acceptable for this analysis was “randomized trials.”…