Effect of Bubble Positive Expiratory Pressure and Segmental Breathing Versus Incentive Spirometry in Pleural Effusion

Conducted as a randomized clinical trial, this study will include 40 pediatric participants aged 5-16, recruited from Gulab Devi Chest Hospital and Children's Hospital, Lahore. Participants will be randomly divided into two groups: one receiving Bubble PEP with Segmental Breathing and the other using Incentive Spirometry, both combined with conventional chest physiotherapy and mobility. Outcome measures, including lung expansion (via X-ray), dyspnea (assessed using the Pediatric Dyspnea Scale), chest expansion (measured with a measuring tape), oxygen saturation (SpO₂), and respiratory rate, will be recorded pre- and post-intervention. The study hypothesises that the Bubble PEP and Segmental Breathing approach may offer a cost-effective and efficient alternative to Incentive Spirometry, particularly for patients who cannot afford mechanical devices. Statistical analysis will be performed using SPSS version 2023 to determine the intervention's effects.

NCT Number	NCT07248774
Lead Sponsor	Riphah International University
Conditions	Pleural Effusion
Enrollment	40 participants
Start Date	2025-10-28
Primary Completion	2026-01-05 (estimated)
Study Completion	2026-01-15 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2025-11-25