Effect Of Breathing Exercises On Postoperative Recovery After Cardiac Surgery

Abstract

Cardiac surgery is frequently associated with postoperative pulmonary complications, prolonged hospitalization, and delayed recovery. Breathing exercises, including diaphragmatic breathing, incentive spirometry, and pursed-lip breathing, have been shown to enhance lung expansion, improve oxygenation, and accelerate rehabilitation in postoperative patients. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of structured breathing exercises on postoperative recovery outcomes among cardiac surgery patients. A randomized controlled approach was employed, with patients divided into two groups: those receiving conventional postoperative care and those receiving an additional breathing exercise program. Recovery was assessed using parameters such as pulmonary function tests, oxygen saturation, incidence of pulmonary complications, duration of hospital stay, and patient-reported quality of life. Findings revealed that patients in the intervention group demonstrated significantly improved pulmonary function, reduced incidence of complications, shorter hospitalization, and better subjective recovery outcomes compared to the control group. This suggests that incorporation of simple, non-invasive breathing exercises into postoperative care may contribute substantially to improved recovery following cardiac surgery.