Recent physiotherapeutic advancement for managing symptoms of pneumonia – a systematic review

Abstract Background Pneumonia is a significant lower respiratory tract infection that affects lung parenchyma, impairs airway function, and can cause severe respiratory complications. Physiotherapeutic interventions, particularly chest physiotherapy (CPT), have been widely used to support recovery by enhancing secretion clearance, improving lung mechanics, and promoting early mobilization. Methods This systematic review included studies published between 2012 and 2024 that focused on physiotherapeutic management of pneumonia. Databases searched included PubMed, DOAJ, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria were English-language studies involving pulmonary rehabilitation techniques. Pharmacological-only studies and articles published before 2012 were excluded. Narrative synthesis was conducted due to heterogeneity in study design and outcome measures. Results A total of 26 studies involving pediatric and adult pneumonia populations were included. Interventions such as postural drainage, breathing exercises, PEP devices, and high-frequency chest wall oscillation demonstrated varying degrees of effectiveness in improving oxygen saturation, reducing hospital stay, and enhancing pulmonary function. Case reports were included for qualitative insight. Limitations The included studies exhibited methodological variability, limited sample sizes, and potential risk of bias. These limitations restrict the generalizability of findings. Conclusion Physiotherapeutic interventions play a supportive yet vital role in managing pneumonia, especially in the post-COVID era. Future high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to strengthen evidence on their effectiveness.