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.