Physiotherapy Techniques and Exercises Quiz

Positioning and Oxygen Transport

• The head-down position is considered nonphysiological and deleterious to oxygen transport.
• The lateral position is underutilized clinically despite its significant powerful effect on oxygen transport.

Positioning Techniques

• The side-lying position accentuates anteroposterior expansion at the expense of transverse excursion of the dependent chest wall.
• The prone position augments oxygen transport in some patients by improving pulmonary mechanics.

Chest Physiotherapy

• Chest physiotherapy is also known as chest physical therapy, bronchial drainage, and postural drainage therapy.
• Patients who are moderately hemodynamically unstable are indicated for positioning aids like manual turns and chest physiotherapy.

Manual Vibration and Chest Physiotherapy

• The frequency range for manual vibration during chest physiotherapy is 5-20 Hz.
• A percussion cup or a soft rubber diaphragm is recommended for infants during chest physiotherapy.

Caregiver Positioning and Technique

• The proper body position of the caregiver is important for during chest physiotherapy, with the caregiver's arms at the level of the patient's chest.
• When performing shaking during chest physiotherapy, the caregiver should hold the patient's chest at the peak of inspiration.
• The caregiver should place their hands over the patient's lung segments, with the fingers together and thumbs apart, when performing shaking.
• A towel or cloth should be placed over the patient's skin during chest physiotherapy.

Contraindications

• The Trendelenburg position is contraindicated for patients with acute spinal cord injuries or unstable spinal fractures.
• The Trendelenburg position is also contraindicated for patients with intracranial pressure (ICP) >20 mm Hg.

Home Treatment and Techniques

• Pillows or wedges might be used as aids in positioning for home treatment.
• The technique of manual percussion involves a gentle, high-frequency force applied through a sustained co-contraction of the caregiver's upper extremities.
• A common device used for manual percussion is a cup or a soft rubber diaphragm.
• When performing postural drainage, the patient should be encouraged to take deep breaths and cough.
• The technique of manual percussion involves applying a rhythmical force with cupped hands against the thorax over the involved lung segments.