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NCT Number: NCT07579013

Effect of Postural Drainage With or Without Thoracic Squeezing on O2 and Respiratory Rate in Infant With RDS.

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Respiratory Distress Syndrome Lung Diseases Respiration Disorders Respiratory Tract Diseases

Age range

1 month–2 month

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

About this study

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a common respiratory condition affecting preterm infants, characterized by insufficient lung function leading to impaired oxygenation and increased respiratory effort. Physiotherapy interventions like postural drainage are often used to improve lung clearance and respiratory status. However, the effectiveness of combining postural drainage with thoracic squeezing on immediate respiratory outcomes remains unclear. The lung squeezing technique (LST), an advanced form of chest physiotherapy, involves applying gentle, sustained pressure to the chest wall, followed by a full release. This process helps elevate intrathoracic pressure, which can activate the cough reflex, aid in the movement of mucus, promote deeper inhalation, and enhance ventilation within the alveoli. The objective of the study is aimed to evaluate the immediate effects of postural drainage with or without thoracic squeezing on oxygen saturation and respiratory rate in children with RDS.

This study was conducted over nine months at AMTH and HLTH settings, enrolling a total of 14 preterm infants with a history of cesarean section birth. Participants were selected using the Epi tool for sample size calculation and randomized into two groups: the control group received standard care involving postural training, while the experimental group underwent postural drainage combined with thoracic squeezing techniques. Exclusion criteria included infants under treatment with neurotropic drugs, those diagnosed with genetic disorders, and those presenting with congenital cardiac or respiratory anomalies. Data collection employed the Oxygen Saturation Index to measure oxygen levels and the Silverman-Anderson Scale to assess respiratory distress. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS software to determine the effects of the interventions on oxygen saturation and respiratory rate.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • ● Children diagnosed with RDS.
  • Pre term infants. Birth history with c- section.
  • No congenital malformation.

Exclusion criteria

  • ● Under treatment with neurotropic drugs.
  • Respiratory and cardiac congenital anamolies.
  • Genetic disorder.
  • Interventricular hemorrhage or seizures.

Treatment and study plan

POSTURAL DRAINAGE TECHNIQUE

Other

A 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.

Other names: Thoracic Squeezing Technique

Primary outcomes

  1. Oxygenation levels

    Time frame: BASE LINE, 4 WEEKS

    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).

Secondary outcomes

  1. ANDERSON Scale

    Time frame: BASE LINE, 4 WEEKS

    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.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

IMRAN AMJAD, PHD

CONTACT

[email protected]

+9233224390125

MUHAMMAD ASIF JAVED, PhD*

CONTACT

[email protected]

+923224209422

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Immediate Effects of Postural Drainage With or Without Thoracic Squeezing on Oxygen Saturation and Respiratory Rate in Children With Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
May 11, 2026
Registry last updated
May 11, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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