Effects of the Thoraco-Abdominal Rebalancing Method on the Cardiorespiratory Function of Premature Infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome

EFFECTS OF THORACOABDOMINAL REBALANCING METHOD ON CARDIORESPIRATORY FUNCTION OF PREMATURE INFANTS WITH RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME

Abstract

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Objective: To evaluate the effects of the thoracoabdominal rebalancing method on the cardiorespiratory function of premature infants with Respiratory Discomfort Syndrome. Methods: Non-randomized clinical trial. The newborns participating in the study were divided into two groups. Group 1 received the handling of the thoraco-abdominal rebalancing method: support in the ileo-costal space, lower abdominal support and thoraco-abdominal support. Group 2 received treatment that consisted of stretching the accessory muscles of breathing and mobilizing the scapular belt. Both groups were assessed before and after treatment. The assessment consisted of verifying peripheral oxygen saturation, heart rate, respiratory rate and degree of respiratory distress from the Silverman-Andersen Bulletin. Results: 14 newborns participated in the study. There was a significant increase in peripheral oxygen saturation in newborns submitted to thoracoabdominal rebalancing (p-value = 0.04) and a significant increase in heart rate in newborns who received the control treatment (p-value = 0 , 01). There was no statistical difference in the intergroup relationship and in the other factors assessed in the intragroup analysis. Conclusion: The thoracoabdominal rebalancing method produced positive effects on the peripheral oxygen saturation of newborns diagnosed with Respiratory Discomfort Syndrome, without influencing the parameters of heart rate, respiratory rate and degree of respiratory distress. Thoraco-abdominal rebalancing did not demonstrate superiority to the control treatment except for peripheral oxygen saturation.