The effect of incentive spirometry in addition to comprehensive chest physiotherapy on length of hospital stay and hemodynamic responses in patients with COPD exacerbation

Abstract

Incentive spirometry (IS) is a simple, well-accepted modality and widely used peri-postoperative period for prevention or management of complications via maintaining maximum inhalation and open collapsed alveoli and resolve atelectasis. Our aim in the current study is to determine if using IS in addition to comprehensive chest physiotherapy results in a reduction in hospital length of stay (LOS) and investigate the safety of IS usage among patients hospitalized for acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD). One-hundred thirty inpatients with AECOPD who received medical treatment were randomized to the comprehensive chest physiotherapy group and the comprehensive chest physiotherapy additional IS group. Length of stay, pre-, and post-session hemodynamic responses were recorded. LOS was significantly lower in the PT+IS group than PT group (p=0.026). The statistically significant interactions were determined in RR and SpO2 parameters between the groups (p<0.001). Other hemodynamic responses were shown similar differences between the groups. Using IS addition to comprehensive PT in AECOPD patients during hospitalization reduced hospital LOS by approximately one day compared to PT alone. Additionally, it was found safe and tolerable as well as the comprehensive PT program in AECOPD patients during the hospital stay.