Effect of incentive spirometry on pulmonary function test in post COVID-19 pneumonia patients

Background. COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus was assigned as a pandemic by WHO. Fever, breathlessness, cough and expectoration indicates lung involvement in the form of pneumonia and its most common complications are pulmonary fibrosis, chronic respiratory failure and reduced quality of life. Incentive spirometry is the relevant therapy to enhance the normal lung function and improve quality of life. Aim. To find the effect of incentive spirometry on pulmonary function test in post COVID-19 pneumonia patients. Methodology. An experimental study with simple random sampling (lottery method) of 24 patients in age group (18-68 years). The participants were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group A received pharmacotherapy and incentive spirometry and Group B received only pharmacotherapy. Computerized spirometry and Diffusion lung capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) was used as diagnostic tool to measure pre & post test values for both groups. Intervention was given for 4 weeks and after 4 weeks, to analyze the spirometry values post-test was taken for both groups. Outcome measures. Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), Forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC &DLCO. Results. Statistical analysis shows significant improvement (p < 0.05) between pretest and post test values on Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT) in both Group A&B whereas there was increase in the improvement in intervention group than control group. Conclusion. Incentive spirometry improved the lung volume and capacities on PFT in post COVID-19 pneumonia patients and also these patients have mainly restrictive lung pattern by the use of DLCO.