Effects of Respiratory Physiotherapy in Pulmonary Dysfunction after Cardiac Surgery

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular system diseases are a leading cause of death globally. Heart surgeries, performed worldwide to treat these conditions, are often followed by high rates of postoperative complications. Objective: The study aimed to compare the effects of pulmonary physiotherapy on respiratory dysfunction following cardiac surgery. Methods: Forty patients with pulmonary dysfunction post-coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) participated in the study. They were randomly assigned to receive either postoperative pulmonary physical therapy, including breathing exercises and respiratory muscle training, or conventional physical therapy exercises. Vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and inspiratory capacity (IC) were measured using spirometry. Data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), with paired t-tests comparing all variables. Results were considered significant at a p-value < 0.05. Results: The study included 21 participants in each group, with a mean age of 55.37 ± 8.72 years. Mean vital capacity in Group A was 2.40 ± 0.46 pre-treatment, increasing to 2.97 ± 0.43, while in Group B it was 2.34 ± 0.41 at baseline, increasing to 2.98 ± 0.36, with a p-value > 0.05 indicating no significant pre- and post-test effects in Group A. Significant pre-post differences in spirometry values were observed within both groups, but no significant differences were noted when compared across the groups following CABG. Conclusion: The study concluded that pulmonary rehabilitation post-cardiac surgery is highly recommended to minimize postoperative complications of heart surgery. It contributes significantly to the prognosis of these patients, emphasizing the importance of preoperative procedures focused on preventing pulmonary system complications and facilitating recovery in the postoperative period after major cardiac surgeries.