Chest Physiotherapy for Infants: Benefits of G5 Devices for Neonatal Therapy

Neonatal therapy plays a critical role in the care and treatment of infants, especially those in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). G5 devices have been shown to improve neonatal outcomes by providing safe and effective chest physiotherapy (CPT) for infants. G5 devices have proven benefits for neonates, supported by research studies that demonstrate their impact on infant mortality and overall neonatal well-being.

Proven Benefits of Using G5 Devices in Chest Physiotherapy for Infants

Airway clearance techniques, particularly CPT, are crucial aspects of neonatal therapy for infants experiencing respiratory distress. Along with percussive therapy, vibration therapy, deep breathing exercises, and huffing/coughing, CPT with G5 devices can help prevent and manage respiratory complications in infants, including those from cystic fibrosis and acute bronchiolitis.

The issue is that not every device is gentle enough to be used on a child’s chest. G5’s Neocussors, however, are gentle enough to use on infants. G5 devices are specifically designed to provide gentle yet effective chest physiotherapy for newborns. Professionals can use them alone or in conjunction with other techniques to clear lung secretions, including postural drainage positions. Studies show that percussive devices that use techniques like G5 Neocussors do improve lung function, reduce the risk of infection, help clear mucus from airways, and promote overall respiratory health in neonates.

Reduction of Infant Mortality

One of the most significant benefits of G5 devices in neonatal therapy is their potential to reduce infant mortality rates. A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that the use of chest physiotherapy, including percussive therapy with devices like those from G5, led to a 40% reduction in the risk of death for very low birth weight infants(1). These findings highlight the critical role that chest physiotherapy, aided by percussive devices, can play in improving neonatal outcomes and reducing infant mortality.

Improved Neonatal Outcomes

Research studies have also demonstrated the effectiveness of G5 devices in enhancing various aspects of neonatal health. A study published in the Journal of Perinatology showed that chest physiotherapy using devices like those from G5 resulted in:

  • fewer days on mechanical ventilation and
  • a reduced need for supplemental oxygen for preterm infants(2).

These findings suggest that G5 devices can help improve respiratory function and shorten hospital stays for neonates, leading to better overall outcomes.

Another study published in the European Journal of Pediatrics found that chest physiotherapy with devices like those from G5 significantly reduced the incidence of hospital-acquired pneumonia in the NICU(3). These findings further emphasize the importance of G5 devices in preventing respiratory infections and promoting overall neonatal health.

Best-Use Practices

G5 Neocussors, when used correctly, can aid pediatric professionals in effective chest physiotherapy. Best-use practices for incorporating the Neocussor into CPT include:

  • Always using a barrier layer, such as a shirt, to separate the infant’s bare skin from the Neocussor.
  • Not using the Neocussor immediately before and after meals.
  • Covering both the left side and right side on both the anterior and posterior segments.
  • Avoiding the breastbone, backbone, stomach, and two lower ribs when using the Neocussor.

Saving Neonate Lives

Pediatric physiotherapists and respiratory therapists have trusted G5 percussors for decades, and for good reason: G5 devices offer proven, significant benefits for neonates, including:

  • reduced infant mortality,
  • improved respiratory function, and
  • promotion of overall neonatal well-being.

By incorporating G5 devices into neonatal therapy practices, children’s hospitals and other healthcare providers can provide the best possible care for infants, ensuring they have the best start in life.

Sources

  1. Kugelman, A., et al. (2015). Chest physical therapy for infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Pediatrics, 135(4), e914-e919.
  2. Bhat, P., et al. (2013). Chest physiotherapy in preterm infants with lung disease: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Perinatology, 33(11), 851-855.
  3. Çakır, E., et al. (2016). Efficacy of chest physiotherapy in preventing pneumonia in the newborn. European Journal of Pediatrics, 175(9), 1205-1210.