Effect of Different Breathing Techniques on Dyspnea and Cardiopulmonary Parameters Among Patients After Open Heart Surgery

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.

NCT Number	NCT07591987
Lead Sponsor	University of Baghdad
Conditions	Dyspnea, Cardiopulmonary Dysfunction, Postoperative Respiratory Dysfunction, Coronary Artery Disease
Enrollment	99 participants
Start Date	2026-01-02
Primary Completion	2026-07-10 (estimated)
Study Completion	2026-10-10 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-05-18