10 Amazing Benefits of the Knee Chest Position

The knee-chest position is also known as Genupectoral Position, which involves the patient being on their knees, with their chest lowered to the ground and their buttocks lifted in the air. This position is often utilized in obstetrics and cardiology for a variety of reasons. We will explore the definition, uses in labor, uses in tetralogy of Fallot, technique, contraindications, and nursing responsibilities of the knee-chest position in this blog article.

Table of Contents

Definition

The knee-chest posture involves the patient bending their knees and lowering their chest to the ground. The head is often rotated to one side, and the arms might be placed above or below the head.

The Knee Chest Position, also known as Balasana in yoga, is a position in which you kneel down. During yoga practice, this asana is often used as a resting pose.

The Knee Chest Position can be traced back to ancient Indian scriptures, where it was used to express surrender and adoration to the almighty. Assuming this posture was thought to enhance blood flow to the brain and relieve stress and anxiety.

Benefits of Practicing the Knee Chest Position

Physical Benefits of Knee Chest Position

Practicing Knee Chest Position regularly can bring numerous physical benefits to the body. Some of them include:

– Stretching the hips, thighs, and ankles
– Reducing back pain and tension
– Relieving constipation and digestive issues
– Easing menstrual cramps
– Improving posture
– Stimulating blood circulation
– Reducing swelling in the legs and feet

Psychological Benefits of Knee Chest Position

Knee Chest Position is also known to bring several psychological benefits to the practitioner. Some of them include:

– Calming the mind and relieving stress
– Increasing concentration and focus
– Reducing anxiety and depression
– Promoting deep relaxation
– Improving sleep quality

Knee Chest Position in Labor

In labor, the knee-chest position is widely used to help rotate a posterior baby, which is facing the mother’s abdomen rather than her back. This position encourages the baby to rotate into the anterior position, where the baby is facing the mother’s back. During contractions, this position can also aid to ease back pain and pressure on the pelvic floor.

Knee Chest Position in TOF (Tetralogy of Fallot)

The knee-chest position is also used to treat tetralogy of Fallot, which is a congenital heart abnormality that impairs blood flow through the heart. This position helps to enhance blood flow to the lungs while decreasing blood flow to the rest of the body.

How to Perform the Knee Chest Position Correctly

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting into the Knee Chest Position

Explain the procedure to the patient and obtain informed consent if needed.
Provide privacy and ensure patient comfort and safety.
Assist the patient to lie on their back on a firm surface with their knees bent and feet flat on the bed.
Help them roll over onto their abdomen while keeping their knees bent.
Lift their hips and slide a pillow under their chest for support.
Guide them to move their knees forward until they are under their hips.
Instruct them to lower their chest until it touches or almost touches the pillow.
Ask them to turn their head to one side and rest it on their hands or arms.
Adjust their position as needed to achieve optimal exposure or access to the surgical/treatment site.
Secure their position with straps or other devices if necessary.
Monitor their vital signs, comfort level, and skin integrity throughout the procedure.

Tips for Beginners to Practice Knee Chest Position Safely

If you’re new to Knee Chest Position, it’s important to approach the pose with caution. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

If you have knee or ankle injuries or discomfort, avoid this pose.
If you have lower back pain or discomfort, place a rolled-up blanket or cushion under your forehead for support.
If you have high blood pressure, keep your arms alongside your body instead of reaching them forward.
Always listen to your body and move slowly into the pose, stopping if you feel any pain or discomfort.

Contraindications

While the knee-chest position has many benefits, there are some medical conditions and precautions to keep in mind before practicing the pose.

Medical Conditions that Contraindicate Knee Chest Position

If you have knee, hip, or back injuries, it’s best to avoid the knee-chest position or modify it to suit your needs. People with high blood pressure, glaucoma, or vertigo should also avoid the pose as it can increase the pressure in the head and eyes.

Precautions for Pregnant Women and Elderly Practitioners

Pregnant women should avoid the knee-chest position after the first trimester as it can put pressure on the abdomen and affect blood flow to the uterus. Elderly practitioners should also practice the pose with caution and may need to modify it to avoid any discomfort or strain.

The knee-chest position is contraindicated in some other situations such as:

Patients with respiratory distress or difficulty breathing
Patients with spinal cord injury or instability
Patients with abdominal pain or distension
Patients with increased intracranial pressure or head injury
Patients with cardiovascular instability or shock
Patients with lower extremity edema or thrombosis
Patients with pelvic fractures or injury

Nursing Responsibilities

When assisting a patient to enter the knee-chest position, the nurse should make sure the patient is comfortable and able to hold the posture. The nurse should keep an eye on the patient’s vital signs and oxygen saturation levels, especially if the patient has a heart or respiratory disease. During the procedure, the nurse should also provide emotional support and reassurance to the patient, especially if the patient is in pain or suffering.

FAQs

Q: What is the knee-chest position?

A: The knee-chest position is a posture where the patient is positioned on their knees, with their chest lowered to the ground, and their buttocks raised up in the air.

Q: What is the knee-chest position used for?

A: Knee-chest position is commonly used in obstetrics to help rotate a posterior baby during labor, and in cardiology to treat tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect.

Q: Why is the knee-chest position used in tetralogy of Fallot?

A: Knee-chest position is used in tetralogy of the Fallot to help increase blood flow to the lungs and decrease the amount of blood flowing to the body.

Q: How does knee-chest position help in dyspnea?

A: Knee-chest position can help to relieve dyspnea or shortness of breath by increasing the space in the chest and allowing the lungs to expand more fully.

Q: How do you do knee-chest position?

A: To assume the knee-chest position, the patient kneels on a mat or cushion and leans forward, placing their chest on the ground. The patient then spreads their knees apart to create a “V” shape, with the big toes touching each other.

Q: What is another name for the knee-chest position?

A: The knee-chest position is also known as the Genu-pectoral position.

Q: What is examined in the knee-chest position?

A: The knee-chest position is not commonly used for examination purposes. However, in certain cases, it may be used for a rectal exam to assess for any abnormalities or signs of disease in the rectal area.