J Paediatr Child Health. 2025 Sep 9. doi: 10.1111/jpc.70193. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
AIM: This study aimed to investigate the implementation rate and timing of pulmonary physical rehabilitation for very low-birth-weight infants (VLBWI) with respiratory distress syndrome (VLBWIs with RDS) in Japan and clarify the current status and challenges of this intervention.
METHODS: This observational study analysed nationwide administrative data associated with the diagnostic procedure combination system in Japan (2014-2019 fiscal year). A total of 16 429 VLBWIs with RDS were included.
RESULTS: The overall rate of pulmonary physical rehabilitation during hospitalisation was 4.1%. Infants who received rehabilitation were more likely to have been born at a gestational age of < 28 weeks and had a birth weight of < 1000 g (p < 0.001). The majority of pulmonary physical rehabilitation interventions lasted 20 min. On average, rehabilitation was initiated approximately 30 days after birth.
INTERPRETATION: The results of this study indicate that pulmonary physical rehabilitation performed during hospitalisation for VLBWIs with RDS is not widespread in Japan. The number of days to intervention may be a key indicator for optimising future pulmonary physical therapy interventions for VLBWIs with RDS.
PMID:40922647 | DOI:10.1111/jpc.70193
