Jeong, J.H., & Yoo, W.G. (2015). Effects of pulmonary rehabilitation education for caregivers on pulmonary function and pain in patients with lung cancer following lung resection. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 27, 489–490.
To evaluate the effects of a pulmonary rehabilitation education program for caregivers on pain and pulmonary function in patients after lung resection
Patients were assigned to experiment and control groups. The control group received usual care including education on pain management, general postoperative care, incentive spirometer use, trunk and limb mobilization, and nebulizer instructions. In addition, caregivers in the experimental group received 30 minutes per week of instruction in splint coughing, airway clearance techniques, diaphragmatic breathing, and various exercises. Assessments were done at baseline (two weeks after surgery) and at four weeks after surgery.
Prospective trial
Forced expiratory volume in one second was higher in the experimental group at baseline and at four weeks (p < 0.01). There was no difference between the groups in pain scores after the intervention.
Pulmonary rehabilitation education may improve pulmonary function in patients after lung resection.
Pulmonary rehabilitation education provided to caregivers was not shown to reduce postoperative pain scores, but it may have been beneficial in terms of pulmonary function testing results.