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Visual Obstruction of Flow Indicator Increases Inspiratory Volumes in Incentive Spirometry
Adam Em Eltorai1, Thomas J Martin2, Shyam A Patel2
1Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island. adam_eltorai@brown.edu.
Respiratory Care
|January 24, 2019
Summary
Covering the flow indicator on incentive spirometers significantly improved patient inspiratory volumes. This simple technique enhances the effectiveness of incentive spirometry for better respiratory outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
- Respiratory therapy
- Medical device engineering
Background:
- Incentive spirometers (IS) are designed to promote sustained maximum inspiration.
- IS devices feature a volume indicator and a sensitive flow indicator.
- Achieving target inspiratory volumes is crucial for effective IS use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if patients focus more on the IS flow indicator than volume.
- To evaluate the impact of covering the flow indicator on inspiratory volumes.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, prospective, counter-balanced crossover study.
- Postoperative subjects used IS with the flow indicator covered and exposed.
- Inspiratory volumes were compared between the two conditions.
Main Results:
- Covering the flow indicator increased mean inspiratory volumes by 255.4 mL (p < .001).
- Significant volume increases were observed regardless of whether the flow indicator was covered first or second.
- No significant difference in volume increase between the two study groups.
Conclusions:
- Covering the IS flow indicator significantly enhances achieved inspiratory volumes.
- This finding suggests a simple method to improve IS effectiveness.
- Potential applications include refining IS protocols, patient education, and device design.
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