Effect of diaphragmatic breathing exercise and volume-based incentive spirometry on inspiratory muscle strength following open upper abdominal surgery based on digital manometer readings

Background: The function of respiratory muscles is affected following abdominal surgery. Diaphragmatic breathing technique and incentive spirometers are used to reduce postoperative pulmonary complication, by increasing inspiratory capacity. Respiratory muscle strength is assessed by measuring maximum inspiratory pressure using digital manometer.
Materials and Methodology: 50 patients posted for abdominal surgery and satisfying the inclusion criteria were divided through simple random sampling into two groups. Group A-Diaphragmatic Breathing and Group B-Incentive Spirometry. Outcome measures were recorded as Maximum Inspiratory Pressure (MIP) on day-1 pre intervention and day 5 post intervention.
Conclusion: Volume based incentive spirometry has better results than diaphragmatic breathing in post open upper abdominal surgery cases.