Effect of Threshold Inspiratory Muscle Training versus Incentive Spirometry in Upper Abdominal Surgeries – A Comparative Study

Background and Objective: Surgical care has a role in treating a broad spectrum of diseases in the alleviation of human suffering. Upper abdominal surgery included gastrectomy, pancreatectomy, hepatic resection, cholecystectomy and splenectomy. Maximal inspiratory pressure (Pimax) is an important indicator for assessing the strength of inspiratory muscles. Respiratory muscle training devices enhance respiratory muscle strength, endurance and exercise capacity. Pressure Threshold IMT devices are usually handheld devices with a spring load that is impeded with different intensities. Incentive Spiro meter is a form of ventilatory training that emphasis sustained maximum inspiration. Therefore, the present study aims to assess the effect of Threshold Inspiratory Muscle Training versus Incentive spirometry in participants with upper abdominal surgeries. Materials and Methods: A prospective cross-sectional comparative study was done with 30 participants with upper abdominal surgeries in the age group of 20 to 65.On Day 1 and after 2 weeks the maximal inspiratory pressure was measured using Hand Held Pressure Manometer Device (Pimax). Group Aparticipants received Threshold Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) and Group B participants received Incentive spirometry. The intervention was given for 5 days in a week for 2 weeks. The duration for each session was of 15-30 minutes which also includes rest periods. Data was analyzed using student Paired ‘t’ testand Unpaired‘t’ test. Result: There was extremely significant difference (p<0.0001) in Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (Pimax) in both the groups but Group A showed slightly more improvement were Threshold Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) was given as an intervention after 2 weeks. Conclusion: The study shows extremely significant improvement in Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (PImax) in both the groups. This study concluded that Threshold IMT has more effect than Incentive Spirometry in participants with upper abdominal surgeries.