Comparison between deep breathing exercises and incentive spirometry after CABG surgery.

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Respiratory Physiology
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Background:

• Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery can impact respiratory function.
• Postoperative pulmonary complications are a concern in CABG patients.
• Effective respiratory interventions are crucial for recovery after CABG.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of deep breathing exercises (DBE) and flow-oriented incentive spirometry (IS).
• To evaluate effects on forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), maximal respiratory pressures, and oxygen saturation.
• To assess these outcomes in patients following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Main Methods:

• Thirty-six patients undergoing CABG were randomly assigned to either DBE or IS groups.
• Non-invasive ventilation was administered for 30 minutes within 24 hours post-extubation.
• Respiratory variables were measured preoperatively and on the 7th postoperative day (POD); muscle strength and oxygen saturation were assessed on POD 1, 2, and 7.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were observed between DBE and IS groups in spirometric variables (FVC, FEV1) or maximal respiratory pressures.
• A decline in FVC and FEV1 was noted from pre-operation to POD 7 in both groups, without inter-group differences.
• Oxygen saturation fully recovered by POD 7 in both groups, with no significant differences between the intervention groups.

Conclusions:

• Deep breathing exercises and incentive spirometry yield comparable outcomes in patients post-CABG.
• Neither DBE nor IS demonstrated superior efficacy in improving spirometric variables, respiratory pressures, or oxygen saturation.
• Both interventions appear equally beneficial for respiratory recovery following coronary artery bypass grafting.