Effects of Respiratory Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation on Respiratory Parameters in Craniotomy Patients: A Quasi- Experimental Study

Background: A craniotomy is a surgical technique in which the brain and surrounding tissues are momentarily exposed by creating an incision in the skull bone. This reduces the risk of brain herniation and aids in decreasing intracranial pressure. Numerous post-operative respiratory problems, including elevated respiratory rate, decreased chest expansion, tidal volume, and vital capacity, can arise from craniotomies. Respiratory Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) is used as a facilitator stimulus to elicit reflux respiratory movement responses that seem to change the depth and rate of breathing. The goal of the current study is to determine how respiratory proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, when combined with standard physiotherapy, affects individuals who have had craniotomies. Materials and Methodology: A Quasi-Experimental study was carried out on 20 participants with craniotomy surgery according to the inclusive and exclusive criteria. Examination of the vitals, Rancho Los Amigos (RLA) stage and chest expansion was done before and after the application of the Respiratory Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF). The intervention was implemented for 14 days along with conventional physical therapy. The collected data was analysed through student’s paired t-test. Results: The Statistical Package for Social Sciences, Version 24.0 (SPSS 24.0) was used to analyse the data. According to the analysed data 2nd and 4th Intercoastal Spaces have shown significant difference according to the paired t-test with a p-value <0.001. The Rancho Los Amigos report less significant changes with a p-value of 0.002. Conclusion: This study concludes that Respiratory Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) techniques demonstrated highly significant improvement in chest expansion and less significant in Rancho Los Amigos (RLA) Stages in craniotomy patients. Key words: Craniotomy, Respiratory PNF, Intercostal Stretch, Posterior Basal Lift, Rehabilitation, Respiratory Physiotherapy.