Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026
06:15
Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus
Published on: March 6, 2019
Chest physiotherapy in preterm infants with lung diseases
Carmen Giannantonio1, Patrizia Papacci, Roberta Ciarniello
1Department of Paediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Sacro Cuore Catholic University, Largo Francesco Vito 1, Rome, Italy.
Italian Journal of Pediatrics
|September 28, 2010
Summary
The Vojta method's reflex rolling technique appears safe for preterm infants with lung issues, showing improved oxygen levels without adverse effects on breathing or stress. Further research is needed to confirm long-term respiratory benefits.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- The efficacy of chest physiotherapy in neonatology remains debated due to inconsistent outcomes.
- Preterm infants with lung pathologies require specialized respiratory support and therapeutic interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the safety and applicability of Vojta method's 'reflex rolling' in preterm neonates with lung conditions.
- To evaluate the impact of this method on blood gases, oxygen saturation, spontaneous breathing, and stress/pain indicators.
- To monitor neurological outcomes through cerebral ultrasound scans.
Main Methods:
- 34 preterm infants (mean gestational age 30.5 weeks) with hyaline membrane disease or pneumonia were included.
- Infants received Vojta method's 'reflex rolling' three times daily.
- Respiratory rate, oxygen saturation (SatO2), transcutaneous PtcCO2, and PtcO2 were monitored. Pain and stress were assessed using NIPS and PIPP scores. Cerebral ultrasounds were performed serially.
Main Results:
- Vojta's 'reflex rolling' led to increased PtcO2 and SatO2 levels.
- No negative effects were observed on PtcCO2 or respiratory rate.
- Stress scores (NIPS, PIPP) remained unchanged, and no adverse neurological events like worsening intraventricular hemorrhage or periventricular leucomalacia occurred.
Conclusions:
- The Vojta method, specifically 'reflex rolling', is demonstrated as safe for preterm neonates with lung pathology.
- While safety is established, further investigation is required to confirm positive respiratory effects and long-term outcomes.
- This study provides preliminary evidence for the safe application of Vojta method in a vulnerable neonatal population.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Chest Physiotherapy
Chest Physiotherapy (CPT) is a therapeutic technique used in respiratory care to improve ventilation, clear bronchial secretions, and enhance the efficiency of respiratory muscles. This therapy includes three primary procedures: postural drainage, percussion, and vibration. It can be performed on spontaneously breathing patients and those who are intubated and mechanically ventilated.
Purpose
CPT is primarily used for patients with excessive bronchial secretions who have difficulty clearing...
Purpose
CPT is primarily used for patients with excessive bronchial secretions who have difficulty clearing...
01:26Flail Chest-II
Managing flail chest, a condition characterized by a segment of the chest wall moving independently from the rest of the thoracic cage, requires a comprehensive approach. It includes a thorough assessment of the patient's condition, a diagnostic evaluation to determine the extent of the injury, and the implementation of appropriate medical interventions tailored to the individual's needs.
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
01:27Pneumothorax-II
Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations:
01:17Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation
In terms of human respiration, the act of expelling air, known as exhalation (or expiration), operates on the principle of pressure gradients. During expiration, the pressure within the lungs exceeds that of the surrounding atmosphere. Under normal conditions, quiet breathing involves passive exhalation and is free of muscular contractions. This is because the exhalation process is driven by the natural elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall, both of which have an inherent tendency to...
01:27Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection
Physical assessment of the respiratory tract through inspection is a crucial step in understanding the patient's respiratory health. It provides insights into the functioning of the respiratory system, the musculoskeletal structure, and even the patient's nutritional status. This comprehensive approach involves observing several vital aspects: chest configuration, breathing patterns, respiratory rates, skin color, and use of accessory muscles.
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration can...
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration can...
01:30Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention
Nursing management of pneumonia involves promoting airway patency, facilitating rest and conserving energy, encouraging fluid intake, maintaining nutrition, and educating patients.
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed.
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed.