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Published on: February 16, 2012
Real-time changes in rib cage expansion and use of abdominal mechanical stimulation in newborns: a quasi-experimental
Jaiana Xavier Santos1, Pedro Ykaro Fialho Silva1, Maria Clara Lima da Cruz1
1Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil.
Insights
An abdominal stabilization band increased rib cage expansion and respiratory rate in newborns. This finding suggests the band may improve respiratory kinematics in this population.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal physiology
- Respiratory mechanics
Background:
- Assessing respiratory function in newborns is crucial for early intervention.
- Abdominal stabilization techniques are explored to support infant respiratory efforts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of an abdominal stabilization band on rib cage expansion and respiratory rate in newborns.
- To determine if this intervention can enhance respiratory kinematics.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 32 newborns (35-41 weeks gestational age) utilized an abdominal stabilization band.
- Rib cage expansion and respiratory rate were measured before, during, and after band application using a breathing transducer.
- Statistical analysis included Shapiro-Wilk and Wilcoxon tests with significance set at p<0.05.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in respiratory rate was observed after band removal compared to before and during use (p=0.008, p=0.001).
- Rib cage expansion significantly increased during band application compared to baseline (p=0.005).
Conclusions:
- The abdominal stabilization band effectively promoted increased rib cage expansion and respiratory rate in newborns.
- This intervention shows potential as a viable method to improve respiratory kinematics in the neonatal population.
Objective:
To assess the rib cage expansion and respiratory rate in newborns using an abdominal stabilization band.
Methods:
The study included 32 newborns of both genders, with gestational age between 35 and 41 weeks. The abdominal stabilization band was used for 15 minutes between the xiphoid process and the anterosuperior iliac crest, with an abdominal contention 0.5cm smaller than the abdominal circumference. The rib cage expansion was evaluated by a breathing transducer (Pneumotrace II™) three minutes before using the band, during the use (15 minutes), and ten minutes after removing the band. The Shapiro-Wilk test verified data normality, and the Wilcoxon test compared the variables considering rib cage expansion and respiratory rate. Significance was set to p<0.05.
Results:
There was an increase in respiratory rate when comparing before and ten minutes after removing (p=0.008) the abdominal stabilization band, as well as when comparing during its use and ten minutes after its removal (p=0.001). There was also an increase in rib cage expansion when comparing before and during the use of the abdominal stabilization band (p=0.005).
Conclusions:
The use of the abdominal stabilization band promoted an increase in the rib cage expansion and respiratory rate in the assessed newborns and may be a viable option to improve the respiratory kinematics of this population.
