Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Peak Expiratory Flow After Thoracic Surgery: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Post-thoracic surgery patients commonly experience respiratory muscle dysfunction, reduced lung volumes, impaired cough effectiveness, and decreased peak expiratory flow. Inspiratory muscle training using incentive spirometry is widely applied in pulmonary rehabilitation to facilitate postoperative recovery. However, evidence describing its short-term effects on peak expiratory flow with daily monitoring remains limited.
Objective: To evaluate the effect of inspiratory muscle training using incentive spirometry on peak expiratory flow in a post-thoracic surgery patient.
Methods: This case report involved a 40-year-old male patient who underwent thoracic surgery for spontaneous pneumothorax and lung cancer. The patient presented with dyspnea, postoperative pain, and altered breathing patterns. Inspiratory muscle training using incentive spirometry was administered twice daily for 10 consecutive days. Peak expiratory flow was measured before and after the intervention using a peak flow meter. Pain and dyspnea were assessed using the Wong–Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale and the Borg Scale.
Results: Peak expiratory flow increased from 100 L/min to 350 L/min after 10 days of intervention. Pain scores decreased from 5/10 to 2/10, and dyspnea scores improved from 7 (very severe) to 2 (mild). The average daily improvement in peak expiratory flow was 25 L/min.
Conclusion: Inspiratory muscle training using incentive spirometry improved peak expiratory flow and alleviated pain and dyspnea in a post-thoracic surgery patient, supporting its role in early postoperative pulmonary rehabilitation.