Effect of chest mobilisation and deep breathing exercises versus incentive spirometry on oxygenation and chest expansion in upper abdominal surgery patients: A randomised clinical trial

Abstract

Objective: Limited lung expansion following upper abdominal surgery is a common complication, often accompanied by physical discomfort, pain, and respiratory compromise. This study aimed to compare the effects of chest mobilization exercises versus incentive spirometry on oxygen saturation (SpO₂) and chest expansion in patients undergoing upper abdominal surgery.

Methods: a prospective single-blinded randomized controlled multi-centric design was employed in this study with a sample of 150 patients undergoing upper abdominal surgery at AL- kende government hospital, and Baghdad Teaching Hospital. Patients were randomly assigned to three groups: chest mobilization (n=41), incentive spirometry (n=43), or control (n=45). The outcomes measurements were oxygen saturation and chest circumference.

Results: the results shows that oxygen saturation and chest circumference improved significantly when using incentive spirometry and chest mobilization interventions compared to the control group at (p=0.000).

Conclusion: Incentive Spirometry and chest mobilization were effective non-pharmacological techniques in improving chest expansion and Oxygenation after upper abdominal surgery.