The Effect of a Supine and Prone Position on Heart Rate of Infant with Respiratory Distress Syndrome

AbstractObjectives: This study aimed to examine the effect of supine and prone positioning on the heart rate of infants diagnosed with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).Methods: This descriptive analytical study employed three heart rate measurements: immediately after positioning, one hour later, and two hours later. The study was conducted between October 1, 2023, and February 17, 2024. A convenience sample of 50 neonates was selected and equally divided into two groups (25 neonates per group). Data were collected through interviews and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods.Results: The findings revealed significant differences in heart rate among infants placed in the supine position after one and two hours (p = 0.049). In contrast, no statistically significant variations were observed in infants positioned prone (p = 0.390). Independent sample t-tests indicated no significant initial differences in heart rate between the two positions. However, after one hour, a significant difference emerged between the supine and prone positions, which persisted at the two-hour mark (p = 0.000).Conclusions: The results highlight that supine positioning has a statistically significant impact on heart rate after one and two hours, suggesting that clinicians should carefully consider neonatal positioning in the management of RDS. Although the findings for the prone position were not statistically significant, they do not rule out potential physiological effects. Further studies are needed to explore the complexities of heart rate variations in neonates with RDS placed in the prone position.