Efficacy of Localized Cryotherapy on Physiological Parameters Associated with Incentive Spirometry among Post Operative Cardiac Patients.

Abstract

Background: Incentive spirometry usage reduces the patient’s ability to perform important activities after coronary artery bypass surgery. This may be attributed to the fact that incentive spirometry takes a lot of time to be performed and may result in changes in muscle tension, activity in skeletal position and physiological parameters. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate efficacy of localized cryotherapy on physiological parameters associated with incentive spirometry among postoperative cardiac patients. Design: Quasi experimental design (pre/post) was utilized. Setting: The study was conducted in cardiothoracic intensive care unit. Sample: A Purposive sample of 60 adult patients were included in the study. Tools of data collection: Three tools were used for data collection; Tool I Structured interview questionnaire, Tool II patients' perception about cold gel pack Tool III physiological parameters assessment. Results: There were statistically significant improvement in physiological parameters and return to normal after local application of cryotherapy in study group compared to control group where,90.0% and 86.7%, respectively among intervention group had normal respiratory rate and SPO2 comparing by 63.3% of control group had abnormal pulse rate and mean arterial pressure after one-week post intervention with a total normal parameters among 63.3% of intervention group comparing by total abnormal parameters among 66.7% of control group. Conclusions: Application of localized cryotherapy was effective for improving physiological parameters associated with incentive spirometry in patients post coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Recommendations: More research is necessary to examine the effectiveness of different types of localized cryotherapy, such as (ice pack, massage, and ice towel) on the incisional discomfort linked to incentive spirometry following CABG surgery.