Inspiratory Muscle Training Using Deep Breathing Exercises and Incentive Spirometer on Lung Function in Immediate Post Partum Mothers

Objective: Immediate postpartum period imposes both abdominal weakness due to caesarean section along with week abdominal wall muscles due to sustained stretch and reduced thoracic expansion. Patients undergoing caesarean section have been reported to develop pulmonary dysfunction with reduced vital capacity for at least a week postoperatively. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of inspiratory muscle training using incentive spirometer and deep breathing exercises on lung functions in immediate postpartum mothers with caesarean section.

Design: A randomized controlled trial.

Method: 60 postpartum women with caesarean section were recruited. 30 in control group received diaphragmatic breathing exercises&30 in experimental group received diaphragmatic breathing exercises and inspiratory muscle training with incentive spirometer. Pre and post intervention values of FEV1 and incentive spirometer reading and abdominal strength were taken as outcome measures.

Results: The pre and post inter group comparison of FEV1 and incentive spirometer reading showed statistically significant improvement in experimental group as compared to control group with p<0.05. However no significant difference was seen in abdominal muscle strength in both the groups.

Conclusion: The study concludes that inspiratory muscle training using incentive spirometer along with diaphragmatic breathing improves lung functions in immediate postpartum women with caesarean section, which can help in early return to functional activities.