Clinical Effects of Incentive Spirometry on Rib Fractures

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Prospective Study To Identify the clinical Effects of Incentive Spirometry on Rib Fracture Inpatients

  • IRAS ID

    291726

  • Contact name

    Ali Shaladi

  • Contact email

    ali.shaladi@nhs.net

  • Sponsor organisation

    East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    0 years, 4 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    This study aims to explore the clinical effectiveness of incentive spirometry on rib fracture patients. Rib fractures are common injuries associated with significant morbidity and mortality, largely due to pulmonary complications. Despite equivocal effectiveness data, incentive spirometers are widely utilized to reduce pulmonary complications in the postoperative setting. Few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of incentive spirometry after rib fracture.

    The purpose of incentive spirometry is to facilitate a sustained slow deep breath. Incentive spirometry is designed to mimic natural sighing by encouraging patients to take slow, deep breaths. Incentive spirometry is performed using devices which provide visual cues to the patients that the desired flow or volume has been achieved. The basis of incentive spirometry involves having the patient take a sustained, maximal inspiration (SMI). An SMI is a slow, deep inspiration from the Functional Residual Capacity up to the total lung capacity, followed by ≥5 seconds breath hold.

    An incentive spirometer is a medical device that facilitate SMI with incorporated visual indicators of performance(inspiratory effort) in order to aid the therapist in coaching the patient to optimal performance and likewise patients uses this visual feedback to monitor their own efforts. The device gives the individual visual feedback regarding flow and volume and also prevent and reverse atelectasis when used appropriately and regularly.[1] The visual dimension of the therapy serves as a motivation or goal for the patient to try to meet by repeating the maximal effort frequently.

  • REC name

    North East - York Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    21/NE/0226

  • Date of REC Opinion

    10 Dec 2021

  • REC opinion

    Unfavourable Opinion