EFFECTIVENESS OF BALLOON BLOWING THERAPY ON RESPIRATORY PARAMETERS AMONG CHILDREN WITH LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION: A QUASI EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) can impair respiratory function in children. Balloon blowing therapy is a simple, inexpensive and child-friendly breathing activity that may support lung expansion and airway clearance. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of balloon blowing therapy on respiratory parameters among children with LRTI. Methods: A quantitative, quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test control-group design was used at Sri Mahant Indresh Hospital, Dehradun. Sixty children were included, with 30 in the experimental group and 30 in the control group, selected by convenient sampling. The experimental group received balloon blowing therapy in addition to routine hospital care, while the control group received routine hospital care alone. A researcher-developed respiratory/lung-capacity assessment tool was used; test-retest reliability was r=0.80. Results: Mean pre-test scores were 7.63±1.28 and 7.80±1.19 in the experimental and control groups, respectively (t=0.53, p=0.598). After intervention, mean scores were 2.97±1.58 and 5.90±1.74, respectively. The experimental group showed a mean reduction of 4.66 points (paired t=15.87, p<0.001), and the post-test difference between groups was significant (independent t=6.81, p<0.001). Fourteen children (46.7%) in the experimental group achieved normal respiratory status compared with 2 (6.7%) in the control group. Duration of illness, environmental pollution exposure and parental education were significantly associated with post-test respiratory status. Conclusion: Balloon blowing therapy was an effective supportive nursing intervention for improving respiratory parameters among clinically stable children with LRTI.