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 range
18 Years – 75 Years
Sex
ALL
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The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂)
Timeframe: Measurements will be obtained at baseline pre-intervention, 1 hour post-intervention, and 6 hours post-intervention during hospital stay
Respiratory Rate
Timeframe: Measurements will be obtained at baseline pre-intervention,1 hour post-intervention, and 6 hours post-intervention
Heart Rate
Timeframe: Measurements will be obtained at baseline pre-intervention, 1 hour post-intervention, and 6 hours post-intervention during hospital stay
Systolic Blood Pressure, Diastolic Blood Pressure, and Pulse Pressure
Timeframe: Measurements will be obtained at baseline pre-intervention, 1 hour post-intervention, and 6 hours post-intervention during hospital stay
Muslim Aqeel Essa, Master Student