Incentive spirometer: Aspects of the clinical practice of physical therapists from Minas Gerais working with patients with respiratory dysfunction

Abstract

Background: Incentive spirometers (ISs) are clinical devices used in respiratory physical therapy to increase alveolar ventilation and functional residual capacity.

Objectives: To investigate factors that influence physical therapists from Minas Gerais in selecting a type of IS and the scientific background behind the use of ISs by physical therapists who work with patients with respiratory dysfunctions.

Methods: Physical therapists from 13 hospital and non-hospital institutions (public/private) completed a self-administered questionnaire based on the current evidence on ISs.

Results: Indications and contraindications of ISs are not fully understood by most of the 168 physical therapists who completed the questionnaire. Volume-oriented IS was preferred over flow-oriented IS. However, only half of the physical therapists have a scientific background to justify the choice of one IS type rather than the other.

Conclusions: Most physical therapists from Minas Gerais do not fully understand the indications and contraindications for ISs. Despite physical therapists stating their preference for volume-oriented IS, this choice is not necessarily based on current scientific evidence. The development of strategies to bring physical therapists closer to evidence-based practice is necessary to ensure best patient care.

Keywords: Evidence-based practice; Health education; Questionnaires; Rehabilitation; Respiratory system; Surveys.