Low tidal volumes refer to the reduced volume of air inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing, typically defined as less than 6 mL/kg of predicted body weight in mechanically ventilated patients. This approach is crucial in managing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) as it helps minimise ventilator-induced lung injury by preventing overdistension of alveoli. A key association is the use of low tidal volume ventilation strategies, which have been shown to improve outcomes in ARDS patients.