OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact and benefits of the physiotherapist intervention on the outcome of infants interned in the neonatal intensive care unit (Nicu) of Hospital Agamenon Magalhães (HAM), Recife, PE, comparing the years of 2005 and 2007, in which there was an increase of the physiotherapist's permanence at the Nicu. METHODS: Data were collected from medical record of the years 2005 and 2007, accessed at the system of medical and statistical archives (Same). A total of 195 records were found and assessed, 110 of 2005 and 85 of 2007. Statistical analysis was processed by SPSS version 13.0 for Windows and Excel 2003. RESULTS: The obtained data demonstrate that, at 2007, infants had lower gestational age and birthweight when compared to 2005. There was no significant difference, between the years 2005 and 2007, in relation to time of mechanical ventilation, time of non-invasive ventilation and time of oxygentherapy, as it would be expected, since the newborns of 2007 were smaller. It was observed a significant decrease in the oxygen inspired fraction at 2007. CONCLUSION: According to obtained results, it is observed a positive influence of the physiotherapist's longer permanence at the Nicu.
Neonatal intensive care unit; Preterm infants; Physiotherapy
