Effect of Physiotherapy Intervention on Improvement of Respiratory Function and Degree of Respiratory Distress Reduction in Neonates With Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Protocol for a Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND

Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS), a common and serious illness in preterm infants, is characterized by lung immaturity and inadequate surfactant production. Even though improvements in neonatal care have increased survival rates, optimizing supportive therapies such as physiotherapy is still essential to improve respiratory outcomes and overall recovery.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of physiotherapy therapies in enhancing respiratory function and clinical outcomes in neonates with NRDS.

METHODS

PRISMA-P (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols) guidelines will be followed for conducting a systematic review. Studies assessing the effects of physiotherapy therapies on newborns with NRDS, such as respiratory exercises, manual chest compressions, percussion, vibration, and postural drainage, high-frequency oscillation of the chest wall, cough stimulation, or suctioning will be included. A comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library, to find pertinent observational studies, experimental studies, and randomized controlled trials, will be conducted. Important outcomes will be respiratory function metrics, oxygen saturation levels, length of mechanical ventilation, occurrence of problems, and overall newborn outcomes.

RESULTS

Exact numbers are not accessible at this time, as the review is hypothetical and has not yet been conducted. In order to inform clinical procedures and future studies, the results will contain data on respiratory improvement, intervention kinds, safety profiles, and the best times and frequencies for physical therapy in neonates with respiratory distress syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

This review will provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of physiotherapy in managing NRDS and its impact on clinical outcomes in neonates. The findings may guide clinical practice and inform future research on noninvasive strategies for improving neonatal respiratory care.