| Protocol |
| WEEK 1- 2 |
| Sr. No. |
Physiotherapy Treatment Goals |
Therapeutic Intervention |
Treatment Regimen |
| 1 |
To make the patient and his family members aware of the problem, and to get their cooperation and agreement |
The caregiver of the patient was educated about the patient’s condition and the importance of the physiotherapist’s role in his condition. |
The caregiver of the patient was educated about the importance of the physiotherapist’s role in his condition. |
| 2 |
To improve the patient’s bronchial hygiene |
Manual chest percussion and chest vibrations were given for the removal of accumulated secretions followed by suctioning |
Given once a day. |
| 3 |
To avoid the accumulation of secretions due to long periods of immobilization |
Manual positioning: Rolling |
Every two-hourly positioning was given |
| 4 |
To enhance chest movements, deep breathing, and expansion of lungs. |
Chest proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF): Intercostal stretch and Perioral pressure |
Seven repetitions each |
| 5 |
To improve the air entry into the lungs |
Passive end-expiratory pressures |
Seven repetitions |
| 6 |
To prevent circulatory complications and muscle weakness, deformity, stiffness, and to maintain the integrity of joint. |
Passive range of motion exercises and ankle toe pumps |
One set consisting of 10 repetitions |
| WEEK 3-4 |
| 1 |
To enhance airway clearance |
Mechanical vibrator machine followed by suctioning |
In the lower and upper lobes, twice a day |
| 2 |
To prevent the secretions to accumulate |
Manual positioning: rolling |
Every two hour |
| 3 |
To expand the epigastric movement |
Chest proprioceptive neromuscular facilitation (PNF): perioral pressure |
A set of seven repetitions |
| 4 |
To prevent circulatory complications, stiffness, deformity |
Passive range of motion exercises and ankle toe pumps |
One set consisting of 10 repetitions |
| 5 |
To improve the air entry into the lungs |
Passive end-expiratory pressures |
Seven repetitions |
| WEEK 5-6 |
| 1 |
To improve the patient’s bronchial hygiene |
Manual chest percussion and chest vibrations were given for the removal of accumulated secretions followed by suctioning |
Given once a day |
| 2 |
To enhance the breathing |
Diaphragmatic breathing |
A set of 10 repetitions |
| 3 |
To maintain the integrity of joints |
Active assisted exercise |
A set of 10 repetitions |
| WEEK 7-8 |
| 1 |
To enhance the health of the lungs |
Diaphragmatic exercise, pursed-lip breathing exercise, and segmental breathing exercise |
A set of 10 repetitions |
| 2 |
To improve the mobility and expansion of the thorax |
Thoracic expansion exercise |
A set of 10 repetitions |
| 3 |
To clear the excess secretions accumulated |
Active cycle breathing technique |
Three phases with five repetitions |
| 4 |
To enhance patient’s functional activities |
Bedside sitting |
Initially for three minutes, progressed to an increase of one minute every day |
