INCENTIVE SPIROMETRY (RESPIROMETER)

 The purpose of incentive spirometry is facilitate a sustained slow

deep breath

 IS is performed using devices which provide visual cues to the

patients that the desired flow or volume has been achieved.

 The basis of IS involves having the patient take the sustained

maximal inspiration(SMI)

 The device gives the individual visual feedback regarding flow and
volume and also prevent and reverse atelectasis when used
appropriately and regularly

 The visual dimension of the therapy serves as a motivation or goal

for the patient to try to meet by repeating the maximal effort
frequency.

 It is a simple and relatively safe method

Types;
Incentive spirometry-1. Flow based (triflow meter)
2. volume based

 The incentive spirometry consist of a mouthpiece and

corrugated tubing connected to a manifold composed of three
flow tubes containing light weight plastic balls. The patient
inhales through the mouth piece thereby creating a negative
pressure within the tubes.This causes them to raise..
 The number of balls and the level to which they rise depends on
the magnitude of the flow is achieved. At lower flows ,the first
ball rises to a level that depends on the magnitude of the flow.
As the inspiratory flow increases ,the second ball rises,followed
by the third ball.
 The volume incentive spirometer enables the patient to inhale
air through a mouthpiece and corrugated tubing which is with
attached to the plastic bellows.The volume of air displaced is
indicated on a scale located on the device enclosure. After the
patient has achieved the maximum volume ,the individual is
instructed to hold this volume constant for 3 to 5 sec.

Indications
 Pre –operative screening of patients at risk of post
operative complications to obtain a baseline of their
inspiratory flow and volume
 Presence of pulmonary atelectasis
Conditions predisposing to atelectasis such as ;
-abdominal and thoracic surgery
-prolonged bed rest
-surgery in patient with COPD
-thoracic or abdominal binder
 Restrictive lung disease associated with a
dysfunctional diaphragm or involving
respiratory musculature
 Patient with neuromuscular disease or
spinal cord injury

Contraindications
 1. Patients who cannot use vice appropriately or require supervision
at all times
2. Patients do not understand or demonstrate proper use of devise
3. Very young patients or paediatrics with developmental delay
4. Hyperventilation
5. Patients unable to take deep breathe effectively due to pain
,diaphragmatic dysfunction,or opiate analgesia
6. Patients who are heavily sedated or comatose
7. The devise is not suitable for people with severe dyspnoea

Precautions
The technique is inappropriate for treatment for major lung
collapse or consolidation
Hyperventilation may result from improper technique
There is potential for barotrauma in emphysematous lungs
Discomfort may occur secondary to uncontrolled pain
Development of bronchospasm may occur in susceptible
patients.close monitoring of patients with hyper-reactive air
ways should be maintained

How to use the incentive spirometer

1. sit on the edge of your bed if possible, or sit up as far as
you can in bed
2. hold the incentive spirometer in an upright position
3. exhale fully before inhaling
4. place the mouthpiece in your mouth and seal your lip
tightly around it
5. breathe in slowly and deeply as possible
6. hold your breath as long as possible (at least for 5 sec).
Exhale slowly
7. Rest for a few seconds and repeat steps 1-5 at least 10
times every hour