5. Toth, et al studied the cardiac and respiratory changes which occur in SI (40 cm H2O for 40 seconds) in 18 adults with ARDS. The PaO2 increased from pre-recruiting maneuver to following the 60 minute followup period (203±108 vs. 322±101 mm Hg, p < .001). Cardiac index (CI) and the intrathoracic blood volume (ITBV) decreased following the recruiting maneuver (CI, 3.90±1.04 vs. 3.62±0.91 L/min/m2, p < .05; ITBVI, 832±205 vs. 795±188 mL/m2, p < .05). There was no correlation with CI and mean arterial pressure, and no significant changes occurred in mean arterial blood pressure.