Combined Effect of Intercostal Stretch Technique and Perioral Stimulation Technique on Respiratory Rate and Saturation of Peripheral Oxygen Among ICU Patients

Background and objective: Neurological intensive care unit (ICU) is a rapidly developing sub-specialty of neurosciences. Intensive care management includes vigilant nursing care, medical care and physiotherapy, irrespective of their specialty such as neurological ICU, cardiac ICU, or trauma ICU. In this study we have compared intercostal stretch and perioral stimulation in adults on spontaneous mode of ventilation and checked effects on respiratory rate and peripheral oxygen saturation. Since no one has compared these two techniques and also information regarding perioral stimulation technique is limited, so the aim of our study is to compare both these techniques in order to gain a conclusion by observing and comparing the results. Materials and methods: 30 patients on spontaneous mode of ventilation are included in the study. They are randomly divided into two different groups. Group A: 15 (subjects receiving intercostal stretching) and group B: 15 (subjects receive perioral stimulation) Result: There was a significant decrease in respiratory rate and also significant improvement in SpO2 (p < 0.001) in ICU patients. Both intercostal stretching well as perioral stimulation is effective in ICU. Conclusion: The results of the study indicate that intercostal stretching well as perioral stimulation is effective in reducing respiratory rate and improvement in SpO2 ICU patients.