Influence of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on pulmonary gas exchange in a mechanically ventilated class I obese patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome: a case report

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe and life-threatening condition characterized by impaired oxygen exchange, reduced lung elasticity, and persistent hypoxemia, and although advances in mechanical ventilation have improved outcomes, oxygenation often remains suboptimal, necessitating supportive adjunctive therapies. This case report examined the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF)-based respiratory physiotherapy in a 52-year-old male patient with ARDS associated with class I obesity on mechanical ventilation. Targeted PNF interventions, including anterior basal lifts and intercostal muscle stretching, were delivered over seven days, with oxygen saturation (SpO2) monitored by pulse oximetry and arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2) and PaO2/FiO2 (P/F) ratio measured through arterial blood gas analysis on the 3rd, 5th, and 7th days of ventilation. Progressive improvements in SpO2, PaO2, and P/F ratio were observed, reflecting enhanced pulmonary compliance and better gas exchange efficiency. These findings suggest that PNF-based respiratory physiotherapy may represent a valuable adjunct to conventional ARDS management in mechanically ventilated patients, though further research with larger samples is needed to validate its effectiveness in critical care.