Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 4, 2025

Effects of Surgical Masks on Cardiopulmonary Function in Healthy Subjects
Published on: February 12, 2021
The effect of preoperative chest physiotherapy on oxygenation and lung function in cardiac surgery patients: a
Hadel Shahood1, Annamaria Pakai1, Kiss Rudolf2
1From the Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary.
Background:
Postoperative pulmonary complications in patients who undergo open heart surgery are serious life-threatening conditions. Few studies have investigated the potentially beneficial effects of preoperative physiotherapy in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
Objectives:
Assess the effects of preoperative chest physiotherapy on oxygenation and lung function in patients undergoing open heart surgery.
Design:
Randomized, controlled.
Setting:
University hospital.
Patients And Methods:
Patients with planned open heart surgery were randomly allocated into an intervention group of patients who underwent a preoperative home chest physiotherapy program for one week in addition to the traditional postoperative program and a control group who underwent only the traditional postoperative program. Lung function was assessed daily from the day before surgery until the seventh postoperative day.
Main Outcome Measures:
Differences in measures of respiratory function and oxygen saturation. Length of postoperative hospital stay was a secondary outcome.
Sample Size:
100 patients (46 in intervention group, 54 in control group).
Results:
Postoperative improvements in lung function and oxygen saturation in the intervention group were statistically significant compared with the control group. The intervention group also had a statistically significant shorter hospital stay (P<.01).
Conclusion:
Preoperative chest physiotherapy is effective in improving respiratory function following open heart surgery.
Limitations:
Relatively small number of patients.
Conflict Of Interest:
None.
Registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04665024).
Related Concept Videos
Chest Physiotherapy
Purpose
CPT is primarily used for patients with excessive bronchial secretions who have difficulty clearing...
Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Oxygen Therapy for Respiratory Failure
Oxygen therapy is vital in increasing and maintaining blood oxygen levels in PAH patients. As a result, it aids in reducing fatigue,...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management
Physiological Control of Respiration
Breathing, a seemingly passive process, is regulated by the respiratory center in the brainstem. This center coordinates the involuntary control of respirations, which means it occurs without conscious effort, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted pattern.
Regulation of Ventilation
The body maintains ventilation by monitoring levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in the arterial blood. Among these factors, the level of CO2 plays a crucial...
Flail Chest-II
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:

