EFFECTIVENESS OF PLAY-BASED PINWHEEL BLOWING EXERCISE ON IMPROVING PULMONARY FUNCTION AMONG CHILDREN WITH LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION IN A SELECTED HOSPITAL OF WESTERN UTTAR PRADESH

Abstract

Introduction: Lower Respiratory Trat Infection (LRTIs) are one of the major causes of morbidity and hospitalization among children worldwide. Children with LRTIs commonly experience impaired pulmonary function characterized by increased respiratory rate, decreased oxygen saturation, and reduced Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR). Play-based breathing exercises are increasingly recognized as effective supportive therapies that improve respiratory function while promoting child participation and cooperation. Pinwheel blowing exercise is a simple, cost-effective, and enjoyable breathing activity that encourages deep inhalation and prolonged exhalation, thereby improving airway clearance and lung expansion. Objectives of the study: To evaluate the effectiveness of Play-Based Pinwheel Blowing Exercise on improving pulmonary function among children with Lower Respiratory Tract Infection in a selected hospital, Western Uttar Pradesh. Methodology: A quantitative research approach with a quasi-experimental pre-test post-test control group design was adopted for the study. The study was conducted among 80 children aged 6-12 years diagnosed with Lower Respiratory Tract Infection. Sample were selected using non-probability convenience sampling technique and divided into experimental group (40) and control group (40). The experimental group received play-based pinwheel blowing exercise along with routine care, whereas the control group received routine hospital care only. Pulmonary function parameters such as respiratory rate, oxygen saturation (SpO2), and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) were assessed using validated PRESS Scale before and after the intervention. Data were analysed using descriptive (Frequency, percentage, mean & standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Paired and unpaired t-tests & chi-square). Results: In the experimental group, the mean pre-test level of pulmonary function score (9.55±2.72) was significantly higher than the mean post-test level of pulmonary function score (4.13±1.87) with a mean difference (5.42) with calculated (t-value 10.402) with (df 78) at (p-value 0.001) was statistically significant at p<0.05 level, indicating a marked improvement in level of pulmonary function after pinwheel blowing exercise. In control group, the mean pre-test level of pulmonary function score (8.6±3.51) was little higher than the mean post-test level of pulmonary function score (7.15±3.26) with mean difference (1.45) with calculated (t-value 7.526) with (df 39) at (p-value 0.001) was Statistically significant at p<0.05 level, indicating a little improvement in level of pulmonary function after hospital routine care. There is difference between mean post-test level of pulmonary function score in both experimental and control group with mean difference (3.02) with calculated (t-value 5.087) with (df 78) at (p-value 0.001) was Statistically significant at p<0.05 level, confirming the effectiveness of pinwheel blowing exercise on improving pulmonary function among children with LRTIs. Conclusion: The study concluded that play-based pinwheel blowing exercise is an effective, safe, inexpensive, and child friendly nursing intervention for improving pulmonary function among children with Lower Respiratory Tract Infection. The intervention can be incorporated into routine pediatric nursing care to promote faster recovery, enhance child cooperation, and improve respiratory outcomes.