Effect Of Inspiratory Muscle Training Combined with Low-Level Light Therapy on Pulmonary Function and Pain on Neck Pain Post Thyroidectomy Scar Wound in Premenopausal Females

Abstract

Background: About 80% of patients experience neck pain and stiffness after having an open thyroidectomy, which is one of the most common endocrine surgical procedures. This procedure is typically done as a result of thyroid cancer.

Purpose: The goal of the study was to examine the efficacy of a combination of inspiratory muscle training along with low-level light therapy for post-thyroidectomy neck pain among premenopausal women in terms of pulmonary function and pain, as well as wound healing.

Methods: 60 female patients diagnosed to get open surgery of thyroidectomy, their ages between 35 and 45 years, and their Body Mass Index (BMI) ranged between 25 and 29.9 kg/m². They were randomized into three groups. Group (A) consisted of 20 female patients who received only traditional medical treatment daily at first week, then three sessions per week for an additional three weeks, while Group (B) consisted of 20 female patients who received traditional medical treatment and inspiratory muscle training daily at first week, then three sessions per week for an additional three weeks. Group (C) consisted of 20 female patients who received traditional medical treatment, inspiratory muscle training, and low-level light therapy daily for the first week, then three sessions per week, day after day, for an additional three weeks. FVC, FEV1, PEF, and MVV, as well as PImax during the spirometry test, visual analog scale, and photographic wound assessment, were assessed pre-and post-study.

Results: Group A showed non-significant improvement pre our post-treatment in all outcome measurements, but both groups A and B showed significant improvement in all outcome measurements (pulmonary function, pain (VAS score), and wound healing) from pre-treatment to post-treatment measurements (P value < 0.001).

Conclusion: Both inspiratory muscle training alone and inspiratory muscle training combined with low-level light therapy have a beneficial effect on improving pulmonary function, pain (VAS score), and wound healing in favor of the combination of inspiratory muscle training with low-level light therapy.