The Effectiveness of Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy Versus Prone Positioning on Respiratory Functions in Ventilated Neonates:A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Background: Chest physiotherapy (CPT) and positioning of neonates has been used in many developed countries around the world to improve airway clearance and avoid lung complications, but the combined effect of both techniques is less documented. The objective of the study was to compare the effectiveness of chest physiotherapy in prone position versus conventional chest physiotherapy in ventilated neonates on respiratory outcomes. Methods: The study design was randomized controlled pilot study. Participants: 12 ventilated neonates fitting in Inclusion Criteria. They were randomly divided into two groups (n=6 in each group) using simple random sampling i.e. Experimental group (4female and 2male) (Chest Physiotherapy and Prone Positioning) and the Control group (3 females and 3males) (Conventional Chest Physiotherapy). Primary outcome measures were SpO2 saturation, Partial Pressure of Arterial Oxygen (PaO2) & Peak Inspiratory Pressure (P.I.P.). Outcomes were recorded Pre & Post of every 120 minutes session of Intervention twice daily with a gap of 6 hours for consecutive three days for the experimental group while for the control group, parameters were measured at the same time of the day. Result: Total 10 participants completed the study protocol. On comparison of three parameters in two groups using the unpaired t-test, we found that there was a significant difference (p< 0.05) in SpO2 and PaO2 in both groups but no difference ( p >0.05) in P.I.P. levels. Conclusion: Chest physiotherapy in the prone position for ventilated neonate concluded with a higher oxygen saturation (SpO2) and partial pressure of oxygen in the arterial blood (PaO2) when compared to conventional chest physiotherapy.