Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training and Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises on Dyspnea, Pulmonary Functions, Fatigue and Functional Capacity in Pregnancy during Third Trimester

摘要

Pregnancy induces various physical and psychological alterations that cause dyspnea, reduced exercise capacity, fatigue, anxiety, altered pulmonary functions, nausea and vomiting. These alterations affect the maternal quality of life.Aim: To compare the effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training and Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises on dyspnea, pulmonary functions, fatigue and functional capacity in pregnancy during third trimester.Materials and Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 34 subjects based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, which were randomly divided into Group AandB. Experimental group A received Inspiratory Muscle Training whereas group B performed Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises for 4 weeks. The baseline measurement was taken on day one of the study. Dyspnea was assessed by Modified borg scale (MBS), Pulmonary functions (Expiratory Reserve Volume) were assessed by Spirometry, Fatigue was assessed by Multidimensional assessment of fatigue scale (MAFS) and Functional Capacity was assessed by 6 Minute Walk Test. All measurements were repeated at the end of 4~(th) week. The baseline measurements at the end of 4~(th) week were compared using the Independent t-test.Results: Significant improvement in pulmonary function (ERV from mean value of 0.61 to 0.658) and functional capacity (6 MWT from mean value of 303.43 to 370.88) with decrease in dyspnea (MBS from mean value of 5.7 to 2.06) and fatigue score (from mean value of 31.1 to 22.29) were found in the group A that received the inspiratory muscle training as compared to group B that received diaphragmatic training. It is suggested that inspiratory muscle training improve the quality of life in pregnancy by reducing the work of breathing.Conclusion: The Inspiratory muscle training was found to be effective and beneficial in relieving dyspnea, fatigue and improving pulmonary functions. Therefore, it can be used as a part of rehabilitation protocol in pregnancy.