Abstract

Introduction: Every year, worldwide, 14.9 million babies are born prematurely. Therefore, these children are at greater risk of respiratory, cardiac, and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of physiotherapy intervention in premature newborns and whether the utilized techniques promote their normal development

Patients: the study population consisted of 20 randomly selected neonates. The 20 neonates were randomly divided into two groups, the intervention group (Group A, 10 neonates) and the control group (Group B, 10 neonates).

Methods: In the newborns of the intervention group (A), an intervention was carried out that focused on the correct positioning in a "nest" (imitation of intrauterine experience), on the changes of supine, prone, right, and left side positions, on the reduction or elimination of stress signs and passive mobilization in the supine position. Oxygen saturation (SpO2) and heart rate were continuously recorded, as well as neurodevelopmental assessment and recording of any feeding problems. weight gain, but also the length of stay of newborns in the hospital.

Results: Oxygen saturation was clearly improved in premature neonates who followed respiratory physical therapy as well as improved (decreased) heart rate. Neurological examination in the neonates of the intervention group was normal and none showed feeding problems. It was also found that the newborns in the intervention group had a more stable rate of weight gain compared to the newborns in the control group.

Conclusions: It is considered necessary to implement early intervention programs to prevent or minimize the negative effects of prematurity on the respiratory and neurodevelopmental development of newborns