Comparison of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation vs resistance training of respiratory muscles on respiratory rate of patients in ICU during weaning off period

To compare the effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) and respiratory muscle resistance training on respiratory rate during weaning off phase of mechanical ventilation (MV).

Thirty Patients are included in this study. Patients are divided into two groups of 15 each. Group A is treated with Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation technique. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation techniques are used for diaphragm inter coastal muscles and pectorals. Readings were recorded before after the end of session from the chart. Group B was treated with abdominal weights placed over the upper abdomen. Muscle training consisted of breathing against an inspiratory resistance (abdominal weights) on upper abdomen for 15-minute session.

PNF was successful in reducing respiratory rate in ICU patients when compared with patients treated with abdominal weights placed on their upper abdomen.(PNF: pretest respiratory rate = 27.000 ± 3.239; post test respiratory rate = 23.333 ± 2.619; abdominal weights = pretest respiratory rate = 28.87 ± 2.06; post test respiratory rate =

28.47 ± 2.77).

When both the groups were analysed statistically it was found that there was decrease in the respiratory rate of the patients who were treated with PNF and there was no change in the patients who were treated with abdominal weights placed on their upper abdomen.