The efficacy of using Tri-Ball breathing exerciser in respiratory function recovery of the patients undergoing cardiac surgery

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effect of using Tri-Ball breathing exerciser on the results of the pulmonary function test in the patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Design: prospective randomized controlled trial. Setting: hospitalized care. Participants: 66 patients of both sexes were randomly divided into control group (CG) and training group (TG). Interventions: Both groups received standardized physical therapy (early mobilization; therapeutic exercises; chest wall vibrations; percussions; coughing; calm deep breathing without simultaneous movements of the limbs or other parts of the body to rest between therapeutic exercises and reduce respiratory and heart rates). TG patients also used Tri-Ball breathing exerciser to train inspiratory muscles. Main Outcome Measures: the results of the pulmonary function test before the surgery and on the 7 postoperative days. Results: pulmonary function had no statistical difference in CG and TG patients both before the surgery and on the 7 postoperative days. Vital capacity reduced from 103.81 ± 13.20% to 76.84 ± 14.65% in CG and from 104.18 ± 13.20% to 76.38 ± 16.18% in TG. The reduction of peak expiratory flow was less pronounced in both groups: from 96.91 ± 14.05% to 79.19 ± 18.08% in CG and from 98.77 ± 19.38% to 82.03 ± 20.75% in TG. Inspiratory indicators (forced inspiratory vital capacity, forced inspiratory volume in one second, peak inspiratory flow) also did not confirm any additional benefit of using Tri-Ball breathing exercises, despite the fact that it is aimed to train deep, strong and quick inhalation. Tiffeneau index had no statistical changes in CG (p = .257), though it showed statistical improvement in TG (p = .031). Conclusions: The study did not confirm any benefits of using Tri-Ball breathing exercises in the physical therapy program.