Role of Physiotherapy in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Literature Review

Abstract

The aim of this study is to review the literature on role of physiotherapist in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Infants born prematurely or with any complications in chest, neurobehavioral or musculoskeletal conditions are admitted in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and special care is taken of these infants according to their condition and complication. The need of the study is to know the different physiotherapy techniques used in different conditions and role of physiotherapist in NICU. This is a narrative review related to role of physiotherapist in neonatal intensive care unit. The literature search was done through various search engines like Google scholar, PUBMED, Scihub, Chocraine and Science Direct. The articles in English language with irrespective to the year was included in the study and was critically appraised. Total 112 articles were screened for the study and 11 articles were included in the study based on inclusion criteria. Among the article were screened, there were reviewed. Physiotherapists have vital role in NICU. During prematurity or conditions like birth asphyxia the physiotherapy in form of chest physiotherapy is important to improve the ventilation and reduce work of breathing. Physiotherapy in form of early stimulation therapy or multisensory stimulation helps in improving the neurobehavioral state of the infant and reduces the risk of any complications/ morbidity in the future or development of the child.