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.
● Children diagnosed with RDS.
Pre term infants. Birth history with c- section.
No congenital malformation.
● Under treatment with neurotropic drugs.
Respiratory and cardiac congenital anamolies.
Genetic disorder.
Interventricular hemorrhage or seizures.