Effect of incentive spirometer exercise combined with physical therapy on pulmonary functions in children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Background/aims Children with cerebral palsy have poorer pulmonary function than average healthy people because they typically have decreased mobility of the chest wall, deviation of chest wall structure and weak respiratory muscles. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the incentive spirometer exercise on pulmonary functions in children with cerebral palsy, and the effects of the incentive spirometer exercise according to Gross Motor Function Classification System level. Methods A total of 50 patients with spastic cerebral palsy aged between 8 and 12 years were randomly divided into two groups: the study group and the control group. Both groups received a physiotherapy exercise programme with the aim of enhancing gross motor and respiratory function for 60 minutes a day, 3 days a week for 8 weeks. The study group received the additional incentive spirometer exercise. Both groups had pulmonary function testing before the study (baseline), halfway through the intervention (at 4 weeks) and then at the end of the intervention (after 8 weeks). Results Significant improvements in forced expiratory volume in 1 second, forced vital capacity and maximal mid-expiratory flow were found in the study group, but not in the control group. Conclusions The incentive spirometer exercise, along with physiotherapy exercises, are effective in improving pulmonary functions than physiotherapy exercises alone.

Addition of respiratory exercises to conventional rehabilitation for children and adolescents with cerebral palsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Ten RCTs met the eligibility criteria and were included (Fig. 1) [21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30]. The ten randomized controlled trials were fully analyzed and approved by both reviewers, and the data were extracted.…”

“…The number of participants in the included studies was 324 children and adolescents. The age of participants ranged from 6 to 18 years [21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30]. Randomized clinical trials included children and adolescents of both sexes.…”

“…The respiratory exercises differed between studies; the duration of programs ranged from four to eight weeks and were considered to be a combination of eight respiratory exercises called the "breathing exercise program", feedback respiratory training, incentive spirometer exercise, inspiratory muscle training (IMT) with a threshold device, and a combination of respiratory exercises and incentive spirometer exercise [21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30].…”

Effect of Hospital-Family Rehabilitation Intervention on Walking Function and Lower Limb Surface Electromyography in Children with Cerebral Palsy

“…The rehabilitation of CP is a long-term and continuous process. The family burden of the children increases, which affects the prognosis because of economic problems and other factors that are difficult to carry out early intervention actively [ 29 ]. The community rehabilitation system in some countries is relatively perfect, and rehabilitation institutions for CP are set up in the community to provide rehabilitation and education for children.…”

“…The community rehabilitation system in some countries is relatively perfect, and rehabilitation institutions for CP are set up in the community to provide rehabilitation and education for children. For example, the United Kingdom, as a country with relatively perfect social security, has set up special schools for children with CP, and professional therapists provide services every month [ 29 ]. A treatment center for CP has been established in the capital of Denmark, focusing on the assistance of children [ 30 , 31 ].…”