Pneumonia
Conditions
Keywords
Pursed-Lip Breathing, Pediatric Pneumonia, Respiratory Function, Discharge Readiness, Physiological Parameters, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Non-pharmacological intervention
Brief summary
This study aims to evaluate the effects of Pursed-Lip Breathing (PLB) exercises on physiological parameters (such as respiratory rate, heart rate, and oxygen saturation) and discharge readiness in children diagnosed with pneumonia. The study is designed as a randomized controlled trial involving pediatric patients between the ages of 3 and 4. The intervention includes guided PLB exercises performed twice daily for three consecutive days. Data will be collected before and after each session to assess changes in physiological measures and readiness for hospital discharge.
Detailed description
Pneumonia remains one of the leading causes of hospitalization and morbidity in early childhood, often requiring supportive respiratory interventions. Pursed-Lip Breathing (PLB) is a simple, non-pharmacological respiratory technique that has shown promise in improving respiratory function by increasing exhalation time, enhancing oxygenation, and reducing respiratory workload. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of PLB exercises on physiological parameters (respiratory rate, heart rate, and oxygen saturation) and readiness for hospital discharge in children aged 3-4 years diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia. Participants will be randomized into intervention and control groups. The intervention group will receive PLB exercises using a toy-based blowing device (saxophone ball blower) twice daily for three consecutive days under supervision, while the control group will receive standard care. Physiological parameters will be measured immediately before and after each PLB session using standardized methods. In addition, parental perception of discharge readiness will be assessed using the Pediatric Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale - Parent Form (Ped-RHDS) on the first and third days of hospitalization. The study hypothesizes that PLB exercises will lead to improved oxygen saturation, reduced respiratory and heart rates, and increased readiness for discharge in the intervention group compared to controls. This research will contribute to the evidence supporting non-pharmacological nursing interventions that can enhance respiratory outcomes and discharge processes in pediatric pneumonia patients.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALPursed-Lip Breathing (PLB)
Children in the intervention group will receive Pursed-Lip Breathing exercises twice daily for three days under nurse supervision. Exercises will be applied using playful techniques with a toy (e.g., saxophone ball). Physiological parameters will be measured before and after each session.
Sponsors
Ataturk University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Masking description
Outcome assessors will be blinded to participant group assignments to minimize detection bias. Data analysis will also be conducted by an independent researcher who is unaware of group allocations. Due to the nature of the intervention, participants and intervention providers cannot be blinded.
Intervention model description
This randomized controlled study includes two arms: an intervention group receiving Pursed-Lip Breathing (PLB) exercises twice daily and a control group receiving standard care. The intervention will be performed over a 3-day period.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
3 Years to 4 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Children aged 3 to 4 years * Diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), defined as pneumonia occurring in a previously healthy child within 14 days of symptom onset and requiring hospitalization * The child's primary caregiver is the mother * Both mother and child must remain in the hospital for at least 3 days * Hospitalization due to pneumonia with an expected average stay of 4-5 days, based on disease severity and clinical condition * Mother must be present as a caregiver throughout the hospital stay * Voluntary participation with signed informed consent from the parent or legal guardian
Exclusion criteria
* Presence of any chronic disease in addition to pneumonia * Mother not staying as a caregiver during hospitalization * Withdrawal of consent by the mother and/or child * Discharge before 3 days for any reason (e.g., refusal of treatment, early discharge request)
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Respiratory Rate | Before and after each PLB session over a 3-day intervention period | Respiratory rate will be measured before and after each PLB session to evaluate the intervention's effect on pulmonary function. |
| Change in Heart Rate | Before and after each PLB session over a 3-day intervention period | Heart rate will be recorded before and after each PLB session to assess changes in cardiovascular response. |
| Change in Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂) | Before and after each PLB session over a 3-day intervention period | Peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂) will be evaluated before and after each PLB session to determine its impact on oxygenation. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Pediatric Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale - Parent Form (Ped-RHDS) Scores | Day 1 (morning) and Day 3 (evening) | The Pediatric Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale - Parent Form (Ped-RHDS) will be administered to parents by an independent nurse on Day 1 (morning) and Day 3 (evening) of hospitalization. The scale evaluates parents' perceptions of their child's readiness for discharge. The total score ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating a greater perceived readiness for hospital discharge. This outcome measure will be used to assess the effect of the PLB intervention on discharge preparedness. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Contacts
Primary ContactTürkan KADİROĞLU, Asst Prof
Backup ContactEmrah DURSUN, Res Asst
Outcome results
None listed