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Investigation into Deep Breathing through Measurement of Ventilatory Parameters and Observation of Breathing Patterns
Published on: September 16, 2019
Breathing exercises in upper abdominal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Samantha T Grams1, Lariane M Ono, Marcos A Noronha
1Health Science and Sports Centre, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
Revista Brasileira De Fisioterapia (Sao Carlos (Sao Paulo, Brazil))
|October 13, 2012
Summary
Breathing exercises may improve respiratory muscle strength after upper abdominal surgery. However, more high-quality studies are needed to confirm the benefits of these exercises for preventing postoperative pulmonary complications.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Physiotherapy
- Surgical Recovery
Background:
- Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are a concern after upper abdominal surgery (UAS).
- Current evidence lacks consensus on the efficacy of breathing exercises for PPC prevention and pulmonary mechanics recovery.
- Breathing exercises are a potential non-pharmacological intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review randomized and quasi-randomized studies on breathing exercises after UAS.
- To assess the impact of breathing exercises on pulmonary function recovery and PPC prevention.
- To evaluate the effects on respiratory muscle strength.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials.
- Searched databases: PEDro, SciELO, MEDLINE, Cochrane.
- Included studies focused on breathing exercises without incentive spirometers for UAS patients.
- Methodological quality assessed using the PEDro scale.
- Extracted data on respiratory pressures, spirometry, and complications.
- Meta-analysis performed where possible.
Main Results:
- Six studies were included in the analysis.
- Two meta-analyses (66 participants each) indicated breathing exercises likely improved maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) and maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) on postoperative day one.
- Treatment effects for MEP and MIP were 11.44 mmH2O and 11.78 mmH2O, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Breathing exercises show a potential benefit for respiratory muscle strength in UAS patients.
- The current evidence base is limited by a lack of high-quality studies.
- Further research is needed to establish clear conclusions regarding PPC prevention and pulmonary recovery.
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