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

Abstract

BackgroundIncentive spirometers (ISs) are clinical devices used in respiratory physical therapy to increase alveolar ventilation and functional residual capacity. ObjectivesTo 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. MethodsPhysical therapists from 13 hospital and non-hospital institutions (public/private) completed a self-administered questionnaire based on the current evidence on ISs. ResultsIndications 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. ConclusionsMost 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.