Effect of Postural Drainage With or Without Thoracic Squeezing on O2 and Respiratory Rate in Infant With RDS.

Immediate Effects of Postural Drainage With or Without Thoracic Squeezing on Oxygen Saturation and Respiratory Rate in Children With Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

This study investigated whether adding thoracic squeezing to postural drainage improves immediate respiratory outcomes in preterm infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS).

Over nine months, 14 preterm infants (all born via cesarean section) were randomly assigned to two groups. The control group received standard care with postural drainage, while the experimental group received postural drainage combined with the lung squeezing technique (LST), which applies gentle chest pressure to enhance airflow and mucus clearance. Infants with genetic disorders, congenital anomalies, or on neurotropic drugs were excluded.

Oxygen saturation and respiratory distress were measured using the Oxygen Saturation Index and Silverman-Anderson Scale, with data analyzed in SPSS.

The study aimed to determine whether combining thoracic squeezing with postural drainage has a greater immediate effect on improving oxygen levels and reducing respiratory distress compared to postural drainage alone.

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a common respiratory condition affecting preterm infants, characterized by insufficient lung function leading to impaired oxygenation and increased respiratory effort. Physiotherapy interventions like postural drainage are often used to improve lung clearance and respiratory status. However, the effectiveness of combining postural drainage with thoracic squeezing on immediate respiratory outcomes remains unclear. The lung squeezing technique (LST), an advanced form of chest physiotherapy, involves applying gentle, sustained pressure to the chest wall, followed by a full release. This process helps elevate intrathoracic pressure, which can activate the cough reflex, aid in the movement of mucus, promote deeper inhalation, and enhance ventilation within the alveoli. The objective of the study is aimed to evaluate the immediate effects of postural drainage with or without thoracic squeezing on oxygen saturation and respiratory rate in children with RDS.

This study was conducted over nine months at AMTH and HLTH settings, enrolling a total of 14 preterm infants with a history of cesarean section birth. Participants were selected using the Epi tool for sample size calculation and randomized into two groups: the control group received standard care involving postural training, while the experimental group underwent postural drainage combined with thoracic squeezing techniques. Exclusion criteria included infants under treatment with neurotropic drugs, those diagnosed with genetic disorders, and those presenting with congenital cardiac or respiratory anomalies. Data collection employed the Oxygen Saturation Index to measure oxygen levels and the Silverman-Anderson Scale to assess respiratory distress. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS software to determine the effects of the interventions on oxygen saturation and respiratory rate.

Inclusion Criteria:

• ● Children diagnosed with RDS.

  • Pre term infants. Birth history with c- section.
  • No congenital malformation.

Exclusion Criteria:

• ● Under treatment with neurotropic drugs.

  • Respiratory and cardiac congenital anamolies.
  • Genetic disorder.
  • Interventricular hemorrhage or seizures.