The Effect of Pulmonary Rehabilitation on Respiratory Functions, and the Quality of Life, following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Randomised Controlled Study

Abstract

Objective. Examining the effects of a pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) program applied to patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery with open heart technique on respiratory functions, functional capacity, and quality of life (QoL). Design. This randomised controlled study applied the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement. Methods. The study was conducted with two groups: the intervention group ( n = 25 ) and the control group ( n = 25 ). The control group received standard care after coronary artery bypass grafting. On the contrary, the experimental group participated in a PR program created by the researchers in addition to standard care. After coronary artery bypass grafting, the respiratory functions (on the 4th day of clinical care) and QoL (at the 6th week) of both groups were evaluated. The primary outcome measure was the respiratory function (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC). The secondary outcome measure of this study was the QoL. Results. When the average pulmonary function test values of the patients were examined, the mean FVC and FEV1 values of the patients in the intervention group on the 4th day of clinical care were significantly higher with a medium level size effect than the control group ( p = 0.027 ; effect size d = 0.643 ; p < 0.024 ; effect size d = 0.658 , respectively). At the postoperative 6th week measurement of QoL, a decrease was observed in all subdimensions of the scale, albeit less in the intervention group ( p < 0.05 ). There was a decrease in both the mental and physical component summary of QoL ( p < 0.05 ). Conclusion. The results of this study revealed that pulmonary rehabilitation applied to patients who have undergone coronary artery bypass graft recover their functional capacity faster.

Efficacy of Multiple Exercise Therapy after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft: A Systematic Review of Randomized Control Trials

“…The initial search found a total number of 2036 relevant articles from the previously mentioned four search engines. The initial title and abstract screening isolated 62 articles, and full-text screening was reduced to 9 relevant articles [ 32 , 33 , 34 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 ]. The articles found through hand search were not included in the final analysis due to further inappropriateness with the protocol ( Supplementary Method 1 ).…”

“…We reported detailed findings of the included studies (Table 1 , Ref. [ 32 , 33 , 34 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 ]).…”

Impact of Clinical and Sociodemographic Factors on Quality of Life Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Mixed-Methods Study

“…A small exploratory study showed that adding a home-based rehabilitation program for older patients undergoing CABG or valve surgery may enhance their functional status and decrease the duration of hospitalization [ 33 ]. Patients who have had CABG recover more quickly when they receive pulmonary and cardiac rehabilitation programs, and they may have better heart function and quality of life after cardiac rehabilitation [ 34 , 35 ]. Therefore, avoiding postoperative complications is crucial for a better quality of life since these complications are nightmares and frightening to patients and may risk their lives.…”

Effect of Intra-Thoracic Oscillations on Blood Gases after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

“…Despite the significant progress made in the field of anesthetics, cardiopulmonary bypass operations, and pre-and postoperative care, CABG remains linked to a notable incidence of pulmonary complications [PPC] [10] . In the preoperative and postoperative care of patients after heart surgery, the use of pulmonary physiotherapy has considerable significance in addressing pulmonary complications, enhancing patient prognosis, and contributing to overall treatment efficacy [11] .…”

“…Girgin et al [11] applied pulmonary rehabilitation to patients undergoing CABG for four days post-operative, helping them recover their functional capacity faster.…”