EFFECT OF RESPIRATORY STRENGTHENING EXERCISE ON ARTERIAL BLOOD GASES IN POST-CERVICAL SPINAL CORD INJURY PATIENTS

Amal K. Hassan*, Nesreen G. Elnahas, Heba A. Abdeen and Amr A. Elkatatny

ABSTRACT

Background: Respiratory dysfunction remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality after cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). Objectives: To determine the effect of respiratory strengthening exercise on arterial blood gases in post-operative cervical spinal cord injury patients. Methods: Forty-four patients of both sexes post-operative cervical SCI, C3, 4, 5. They were selected from inpatient department Kasr Al-aini hospital, Cairo University. All patients were carefully examined and referred by their (neurosurgeon). All patients were randomly assigned into groups, group A included 21 patients trained by (power breath plus traditional chest physiotherapy as diaphragmatic breathing exercise, costal breathing exercise (localized breathing), suction, percussion and vibration, for 2 weeks for 2 weeks, 3 times / day. Group B included 23 patients, who received traditional chest physiotherapy only for 2 weeks, 3 times / day. Arterial blood gases were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Results: There were significant differences between the two groups at the end of the study. Significant improvement of pH, PO2, PCO2, and HCO3 were observed in group A (p<0.05), While there was non-significant changes in group B (p>0.05) after the 2-week intervention. Conclusions: Respiratory strengthening exercise has positive effects on arterial blood gases in post-operative cervical spinal cord injury patients.

Keywords: SCI, Strengthening exercise, arterial blood gases.