Reflex Rolling Versus Lung Squeezing Techniques on Pulmonary Functions in Premature Neonate with Pneumonia

Background: Respiratory complications are a major contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries. These issues are predominantly observed in premature neonates and frequently include conditions such as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and pneumonia, often necessitating ventilatory support or supplemental oxygen. Purpose: To compare the effect of reflex rolling and lung squeezing techniques on pulmonary functions in premature neonates with pneumonia. Methods: Neonates were randomly assigned into two equal groups from both sexes with 12 neonates in each group. (Group A and B), both groups received a specific physical therapy program for 15 min., while Group (A) received a reflex rolling technique and Group (B) received a lung squeezing technique. For two successive weeks, the intervention program was implemented for 20 min, two sessions/day, five times a week for both groups. The severity of respiratory distress was measured using the Silverman-Andersen Scale, Respiratory Rate was measured using a monitor (Hunt Leigh Healthcare /United Kingdom) at baseline and after two weeks of intervention for both groups and the period of hospitalization was determined by subtracting the date of starting physical therapy program from the date of discharge. Results: At the beginning of the intervention, there were no statistically significant differences between the two study groups (P > 0.05). However, following two weeks of intervention, both groups exhibited significant improvement in all the variables including; the severity of respiratory distress and the respiratory rate at discharge as compared to the measured admission values. Furthermore, the Lung Squeezing group had a noticeably decreased period of hospitalization (P < 0.05) compared to the Reflex Rolling group. Conclusion:The present study concludes that reflex rolling and lung squeezing are effective methodsin improving all outcome measures in preterm neonates with pneumonia with favoring for the lung squeezing method in reducing the period of hospitalization, and both techniques can be applied safely in clinical settings