Open heart surgery is often associated with postoperative pulmonary complications, reduced lung expansion, dyspnea, and impaired cardiopulmonary function. Breathing exercises are commonly used after surgery to improve lung ventilation, enhance oxygenation, and support respiratory recovery. However, limited evidence is available comparing the effectiveness of segmental breathing exercises and active cycle breathing technique (ACBT) in patients after open heart surgery.
This randomized controlled trial will compare the effects of segmental breathing exercises and ACBT on dyspnea and cardiopulmonary parameters in adults undergoing open heart surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the segmental breathing exercise group, the ACBT group, or the standard care group during the postoperative period following extubation.
Cardiopulmonary parameters, including oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, heart rate, and blood pressure, as well as dyspnea severity and postoperative pulmonary complications, will be assessed before and after the interventions.
The findings of this study may help identify the most effective breathing exercise technique for improving respiratory outcomes, reducing postoperative pulmonary complications, and supporting evidence-based postoperative rehabilitation after cardiac surgery.
Age 18-75 years.
Scheduled for elective open-heart surgery.
Can understand instructions and perform Segmental breathing and Active cycle breathing techniques.
Stable preoperative hemodynamic condition.
Emergency cardiac surgeries.
Patients with pre-existing severe pulmonary disease (e.g., COPD, asthma, restrictive lung disease, Atelectasis, and Tuberculosis).
Neurological disorders affecting breathing effort.
Patients with rib fractures, recent thoracic trauma, or contraindications for coughing maneuvers.
Parallel
Segmental Breathing Exercises
BehavioralDeep breathing exercises focusing on specific lung segments to improve ventilation, lung expansion, and oxygenation in post open heart surgery patients.
Active Cycle Breathing Technique
BehavioralA combination of breathing control, thoracic expansion exercises, and forced expiration technique to improve airway clearance and lung function.
Standard postoperative care
Other interventionParticipants will receive routine postoperative care according to institutional protocols following cardiac surgery. This includes standard medical and nursing management such as oxygen therapy, pain control, monitoring of vital signs, and mobilization as tolerated, without additional structured respiratory physiotherapy interventions.
Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂)
Assessment of peripheral oxygen saturation in patients after open heart surgery undergoing breathing exercises (segmental breathing exercises or active cycle breathing technique)
Respiratory Rate
Assessment of respiratory rate in patients after open heart surgery undergoing breathing exercises.
Heart Rate
Assessment of heart rate in patients after open heart surgery undergoing breathing exercises.
Systolic Blood Pressure, Diastolic Blood Pressure, and Pulse Pressure
Assessment of Systolic Blood Pressure Pulse Pressure, and Diastolic Blood Pressure in patients after open heart surgery undergoing breathing exercises.
Dyspnea Index
Assessment of dyspnea index in patients after open heart surgery using a standardized dyspnea scale contain ten questions for score 0 = Never. 1 = Almost never. 2 = Sometimes. 3 = Almost always. 4 = Always , the higher number is the worst that to evaluate changes before interventions and after implementation of segmental breathing exercises or active cycle breathing techniques.
Mean Arterial Pressure
Assessment of Mean Arterial Pressure in patients after open heart surgery undergoing breathing exercises.
Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.