Effects of Postural Drainage in Patients with Elderly Pneumonia

Authors

  • Iqra Abdul Ghafoor Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Sehar Nouman PSRD, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Bisms Qazi University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan
  • Mariyam Khalid University of Management Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Samar Fatima University of Management Technology, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v5i6.1925

Keywords:

Postural drainage; Pneumonia; Active cycle breathing technique; Oxygen saturation; CASA-Q.

Abstract

Background: Pneumonia is an acute infectious inflammation of the lung parenchyma frequently associated with hypoxemia and retained secretions, and adjunct respiratory physiotherapy may support airway clearance and recovery (1,2). Objective: To determine the effect of postural drainage with and without Active Cycle of Breathing Technique (ACBT) on oxygen saturation and sputum-related outcomes in patients with pneumonia. Methods: A randomized controlled trial enrolled adults diagnosed with pneumonia and allocated them to Group A (postural drainage) or Group B (postural drainage + ACBT). Outcomes included pulse oximetry, a chest X-ray severity score, and the Cough and Sputum Assessment Questionnaire (CASA-Q) measured at baseline and after 4 weeks (12 sessions; 3/week). Between-group comparisons were performed using independent-samples testing with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Results: Thirty-two participants completed the study (n=16/group). Baseline values were comparable for pulse oximetry (p=0.273), chest X-ray score (p=1.000), and CASA-Q (p=0.455). At 4 weeks, Group B showed superior outcomes versus Group A: oxygen saturation 91.12±2.47 vs 85.68±3.28 (mean difference 5.44; p<0.001), chest X-ray score 2.00±0.63 vs 4.68±0.79 (mean difference −2.68; p<0.001), and CASA-Q 57.12±9.46 vs 46.06±7.62 (mean difference 11.06; p=0.001). Conclusion: Postural drainage improved oxygenation and secretion-related outcomes in pneumonia, and adding ACBT produced greater benefit across physiological, radiographic, and patient-reported measures.

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Published

2025-06-30

How to Cite

Iqra Abdul Ghafoor, Sehar Nouman, Bisms Qazi, Mariyam Khalid, & Samar Fatima. (2025). Effects of Postural Drainage in Patients with Elderly Pneumonia. Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Research, 5(6), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v5i6.1925

Issue

Volume 5, Issue 6 – June 2025

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Iqra Abdul Ghafoor, Sehar Nouman, Bisms Qazi, Mariyam Khalid, Samar Fatima

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