Schematic representation of the different ventilatory strategies applied in the animal model and in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Aeration in animals was computed as the product of compliance and an increase in positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP, 10 cm H₂O), resulting in the predicted increase in volume above functional residual capacity (FRC) due to the increase in airway pressure (dashed line). Therefore, the additional increase up to end-expiratory lung volume (EELV) is recruited volume. In patients, all the measurements were done above the EELV at a PEEP of 8 cm H₂O (EELV₈). Equations used for strain measurements are presented. CT = computed tomography; PIP = peak inspiratory pressure.