Effect of Neurophysiological Facilitation of Respiration on Respiratory Rate and Chest Expansion in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy - An Experimental Study

Background: Spastic cerebral palsy is one of the most common type. The children with spastic cerebral palsy has decreased chest mobility due to tightness of the muscles, fascia and skin overlying the chest reduces expansion. Neurophysiological facilitation of respiration technique is used for improvement in neuromuscular disease and it is a proprioceptive and tactile stimulus that alter the depth and rate of breathing. Aim and Objectives: To evaluate effect of neurophysiological facilitation of respiration on respiratory rate and chest expansion at 2nd and 9th rib level in spastic cerebral palsy children. Method: An experimental study was conducted on spastic cerebral palsy children of different areas of Ahmedabad, to assess pre and post difference in RR and chest expansion at both levels by applying intercostal stretch, vertebral pressure and anterior stretch basal lift for 5 days a week for 2 weeks. Result: Statistical analysis showed that there was significant improvement in all outcome measures after application of NPF techniques. RR improved significantly [p less than 0.05] and Chest expansion also increased at both levels [Pless than0.05]. Conclusion: NPF of respiration can improve RR and chest expansion at both levels.