A spirometer is an apparatus for measuring the volume of air inspired and expired by the lungs. In other words, it measures ‘ventilation’ – the movement of air into and out of the lungs. The spirogram will identify two different types of abnormal ventilation patterns; obstructive and restrictive.
There are different types of spirometers which includes the incentive spirometer (IS). It is a device that allows patients to perform sustained maximal inspiration (SMI) without added resistance while presenting a visual quantification of the inspiratory effort. The visual dimension of the therapy adds an ‘incentive’ or goal for the patient to try and achieve by repeating the maximal effort frequently. IS is designed to mimic natural sighing by encouraging patients to take slow, deep breaths.
Incentive spirometry is performed using devices which provide visual cues to the patients that the desired flow or volume has been achieved. The original type of incentive spirometer had a variable preset inspiratory volume with a light that turned on when that volume was reached by the patient’s inspiratory effort. The light stayed on as long as the inspiratory flow rate was maintained, and the patient was encouraged to try keep the light on as long as possible.
Incentive spirometers are mostly used in the management of restrictive lung disorders.
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