The efficacy of incentive spirometers in post-operative protocols for low-risk patients

Incentive spirometry offered no statistically significant advantages to pulmonary function when compared to unstructured or structured deep breathing and coughing exercise programs, for patients at low risk of developing pulmonary complications. The additional cost of incentive spirometer equipment does not seem warranted in these patients. Furthermore, patients with or without an incentive spirometer were willing to comply with a structured breathing exercise program with the same frequency of practice sessions. Patients in this diagnostic category did not require a technical device to reward and motivate them for performing maximal inspiratory manoeuvres.