Physical therapy treatment interventions and the effects thereof on clinical outcomes when addressing intra-pleural abnormalities in patients with trauma: protocol for a systematic review.

Background: Patients who sustain chest wall trauma e.g. blunt or penetrating are at increased risk of developing musculoskeletal and pulmonary dysfunction. Physical therapy services are often included during hospital stays to assist with patient outcomes such as lung expansion, increasing oxygenation, pain management, optimization of joint range of motion and early mobility. Objectives: This protocol describes the proposed systematic review that aims to determine the physical therapy treatment interventions and the effects thereof on clinical outcomes when used in the management of adult patients with intra-pleural abnormalities following chest wall trauma. Methods: The research team will conduct an effectiveness systematic review using the PICO approach. A three-step search strategy of seven databases will be undertaken: Pubmed, CINAHIL Plus, The Cochrane Library, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Scopus, Science Direct and Google Scholar from conception of the databases. No limitations will be placed on language. The inclusion criteria are publications that focus on adults who sustained chest wall trauma, who had a diagnosis of an intra-pleural abnormality and managed with an intra-pleural drain, and who received physical therapy interventions during their stay in an acute care hospital. If participants had diagnoses that limit ambulation, such publications will not be included in the review. Two independent reviewers will do the critical appraisal and data extraction. Results: Results are unknown. Conclusions: This review will contribute to the understanding of physical therapy offered to patients and the clinical outcomes achieved when used in the management of adult patients with intra-pleural abnormalities following chest wall trauma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]