Inspiratory versus expiratory incentive spirometry: A randomised control trial study protocol

BACKGROUND: Respiratory impairments refer to a reduction in pulmonary function, which may adversely affect an individual’s health. Incentive spirometry is a technique designed to assist patients in achieving a pre-set airflow volume; the volume is determined from predicted values or baseline measurements. Our study aims to assess the effect of incentive spirometry on respiratory impairments. METHOD: Fifty-four patients aged 40 years and above with obstructive, restrictive or mixed respiratory impairments attending the respiratory clinic at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja (LASUTH), will be recruited and assigned to three groups of 18 participants based on the class of respiratory impairment. Participants in each category of respiratory impairment will be subdivided into three groups. A final group of six participants per class of impairment will participate in the experiment. Our study will be a double-blind, randomised control trial with two intervention groups and one parallel placebo control group. Pulmonary function will be assessed before and after every procedure while the six-minute walk test (6MWT), Medical Research Council dyspnoea scale and the Pulmonary Functional Status and Dyspnea Questionnaire-Modified will be assessed fortnightly during our study. Data will be analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics and a repeated MANOVA; p < 0.05. DISCUSSION: The outcome of our study may reveal the effect of inspiratory and expiratory incentive spirometry on obstructive, restrictive or mixed respiratory impairments. CONCLUSION: Our study may contribute to the body of knowledge on pulmonary rehabilitation. CLINICAL IMPLICATION: Our study results may indicate if inspiratory incentive spirometry or expiratory incentive spirometry is better suited for the treatment of the respiratory impairment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.pactr.org: PACTR202005904039357