Background: Changes in Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV), demonstrating alteration in Pulmonary Functions during third trimester in pregnancy. At present, there is no study demonstrating the comparative effect of Inspiratory muscle training with Deep Breathing Exercises on ERV during pregnancy.

Objective: This study was done to compare the effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training and Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises on Pulmonary Functions (ERV) during pregnancy.

Design: Pilot Study

Setting: This study was conducted at SGT Hospital, Gurugram.

Method: This was a pilot study done a sample size of 12 pregnant women, who were randomly divided between two groups. One group received IMT and another received DBE. The outcome measure was ERV which was analysed at baseline and after the intervention of 4 weeks.

Result: There was a significant increase in ERV in Inspiratory Muscle Training as compared to DBE group during pregnancy.

Conclusion: The present result suggested that the performance of IMT in pregnancy during third trimester helps to improve Pulmonary functions (ERV).

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Dr Tabassum Saher

Assistant Professor, Faculty of Physiotherapy, SGT University Gurugram