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.
Parallel
POSTURAL DRAINAGE TECHNIQUE
Other interventionA structured chest physiotherapy protocol will be applied in neonates to enhance airway clearance by targeting specific lung segments. This includes appropriate positioning-supine for upper lobes and side-lying for lower lobes-combined with gentle chest percussion to mobilize secretions while avoiding sensitive areas. Sessions last 4-5 minutes and are repeated every 3 hours, with careful monitoring of vital signs and precautions such as avoiding treatment soon after feeding. Additionally, the thoracic squeezing technique is used to simulate a cough by applying gentle, rhythmic compressions during expiration in a side-lying position. Performed for about 10 minutes on each side after drainage or percussion, it helps move secretions toward central airways, particularly in infants with weak cough reflexes, with continuous monitoring to ensure safety and immediate cessation if distress occurs.
Oxygenation levels
Evaluated using measures such as pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) or arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), or the Oxygen Saturation Index (OSI). This calculation provides a non-invasive measure of oxygenation efficiency. Research has shown that OSI is just as reliable as the Oxygenation Index (OI) in evaluating the severity of pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS). Since OSI uses peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂) instead of arterial blood gases, it serves as a practical and effective alternative, particularly in settings where frequent arterial sampling is not feasible. The Oxygen Saturation Index (OSI) is determined using the formula: (FiO₂ × mean airway pressure × 100) ÷ SpO₂ (14).
ANDERSON Scale
The Silverman-Anderson scores are widely used clinical tools designed to evaluate the severity of respiratory distress in newborns. Both systems rely on objective clinical parameters to quantify respiratory difficulty. The Silverman-Anderson score specifically measures five key signs: chest retractions in the upper and lower thorax, subxiphoid retraction, nasal flaring, and audible grunting during exhalation. Each of these indicators is rated on a scale from 0 to 2, allowing healthcare providers to systematically assess and monitor the progression or improvement of respiratory distress in neonates.
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