ISSN: 2155-6148
+44 1223 790975
Henrik Johansson
Sweden
Research Article
Breathing Exercises with Positive Expiratory Pressure after Abdominal
Surgery–The Current Physical Therapy Practice in Sweden
Author(s): Henrik Johansson, Rebecca Sjöholm, Anders Stafberg and Elisabeth WesterdahlHenrik Johansson, Rebecca Sjöholm, Anders Stafberg and Elisabeth Westerdahl
Objectives: In Sweden breathing exercises with Positive Expiratory Pressure (PEP) are commonly recommended for the prevention of pulmonary complications after abdominal surgery. Scientific documentation of the effects of PEP treatment is limited. The aim of this national survey was to describe the current physical therapy practice of PEP treatment after abdominal surgery in Sweden. Methods: A questionnaire was sent by e-mail to the 45 physical therapists who work with abdominal surgery patients in all seven university hospitals in Sweden. The questionnaire contained questions about the usage of PEP after abdominal surgery. Results: In total, 24 (54%) of the physical therapists answered the questionnaire. All reported using PEP as a treatment option after abdominal surgery. The most commonly used PEP device was the Blow bottle system and the PEP ventil system connected to a mouthpiece... View More»
DOI:
10.4172/2155-6148.1000325