Respiratory Physiotherapy Interventions in Paediatric Population with Atelectasis: A Systematic Review
Carlota Beatriz Esteban-Gavilán,
Patricia Rico-Mena,
Javier Güeita-Rodríguez,
Víctor Navarro-López,
Raúl Escudero-Romero
Affiliations
Carlota Beatriz Esteban-Gavilán
Department of Physiotherapy, School of Medicine, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28660 Boadilla del Monte, Spain
Patricia Rico-Mena
Neurosciences and Physical Therapy Research Group, Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, C. Tajo, S/N, 28670 Villaviciosa de Odón, Spain
Javier Güeita-Rodríguez
Research Group of Humanities and Qualitative Research in Health Science, Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
Víctor Navarro-López
Movement Analysis, Biomechanics, Ergonomics and Motor Control Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain
Raúl Escudero-Romero
Department of Physiotherapy, School of Medicine, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28660 Boadilla del Monte, Spain
Objective: This systematic review aims to assess the effectiveness of respiratory physiotherapy techniques in oxygenation, chest X-ray findings, and lung auscultation in paediatric patients aged 0 to 18 years diagnosed with atelectasis. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in the PubMed, PEDro, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. Results: Eight randomised clinical trials were included, involving 430 children ranging from 35 weeks of gestational age to 14 years. These trials evaluated various respiratory physiotherapy techniques and their effects on oxygenation and chest radiograph outcomes. The methodological quality of the studies ranged from acceptable to good, according to the PEDro scale. Conclusions: Recent evidence indicates that respiratory physiotherapy is effective and safe in the paediatric population with atelectasis. Both manual and instrumental techniques demonstrated efficacy, with instrumental techniques showing superior outcomes in many cases.
