Table 1 Definition of the different types of power relating to Fig. 2

Total work:

Work generated by the ventilator to deliver pressure and flow to the respiratory system.

Resistive work:

Work dissipated (as heat) in generating flow through the airway resistance

Elastic work:

Work needed to expand the lungs and chest wall.

PEEP work:

Work against PEEP during inspiration which is temporarily stored as energy within the elastic tissues. It later converts to kinetic energy as the gas escapes to atmosphere across the exhalation valve.

Tidal work:

Elastic work minus PEEP work.

Inspiratory work:

The sum of tidal work and resistive work.

Muscle work:

Work generated by the ventilatory muscles.