RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07248774

Effect of Bubble Positive Expiratory Pressure and Segmental Breathing Versus Incentive Spirometry in Pleural Effusion

Effect of Bubble Positive Expiratory Pressure and Segmental Breathing Versus Incentive Spirometry on Lung Expansion and Dyspnea in Children With Pleural Effusion

Sponsor

Riphah International University

Enrollment

40 participants

Start Date

Oct 28, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Pleural Effusion

Summary

Conducted as a randomized clinical trial, this study will include 40 pediatric participants aged 5-16, recruited from Gulab Devi Chest Hospital and Children's Hospital, Lahore. Participants will be randomly divided into two groups: one receiving Bubble PEP with Segmental Breathing and the other using Incentive Spirometry, both combined with conventional chest physiotherapy and mobility. Outcome measures, including lung expansion (via X-ray), dyspnea (assessed using the Pediatric Dyspnea Scale), chest expansion (measured with a measuring tape), oxygen saturation (SpO₂), and respiratory rate, will be recorded pre- and post-intervention. The study hypothesises that the Bubble PEP and Segmental Breathing approach may offer a cost-effective and efficient alternative to Incentive Spirometry, particularly for patients who cannot afford mechanical devices. Statistical analysis will be performed using SPSS version 2023 to determine the intervention's effects.

Eligibility

Min Age: 5 YearsMax Age: 16 Years

Inclusion Criteria5

Age 5 to 16.
Suffering from Pleural effusion or hydrothorax.
Thoracic drainage system in situ for 24 hours.
Either gender will be included.
Patients without any other co-existing illness.

Exclusion Criteria4

Any other pulmonary pathology that does not fit the diagnostic criteria of Pleural Effusion.
Participants with unbearable chest pain, chylothorax, hemothorax, pneumothorax, chest trauma or rib fracture.
Participants with other comorbidities leading to pleural effusion.
Patients who have chest musculoskeletal deformities.

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Interventions

OTHERBubble PEP

Bubble PEP will be performed using a bottle device with 10 repetitions, progressing from one to three sets over 14 days. Segmental Breathing will target localized lung expansion with six breaths per minute, progressing similarly. Chest percussion will be applied on the contralateral side for 2-5 minutes with rest intervals, and walking distance will increase from 1 to 5 meters across the intervention period. All sessions will be conducted once daily for two weeks, with pre- and post-intervention assessments of lung expansion and dyspnea.

OTHERIncentive Spirometery

Incentive Spirometry will be used to encourage sustained maximal inspiration, thereby promoting lung expansion and improving ventilation. Each session will include three repetitions per side during Days 1-3, five repetitions per side during Days 4-7, and ten repetitions per side during Days 8-14, performed in one set per session.