Effects of Adding Incentive Spirometry to Hospital-Based Cardiovascular Rehabilitation on Pulmonary Complications, Hospital Length of Stay, and Clinical-Functional Recovery After Cardiac Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Bruna Elise da Silva Messias, Thamires Alessandra Silveira da Silva, Rafaela Anversa Schreiner et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the impact of adding incentive spirometry to cardiac rehabilitation on postoperative outcomes in 46 patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The study found no significant differences in pulmonary complications, hospital length of stay, or clinical-functional recovery between the two groups. Both groups experienced a decline in respiratory muscle strength and walking distance postoperatively.
Key findings
- Incentive spirometry group had longer extracorporeal circulation time (98 ± 26 min) compared to rehabilitation alone (76 ± 1 min; p = 0.008).
- Both groups showed a decline in walking distance postoperatively (MD: -64.37 m; 95% CI: [-24.1; -104.6]; d = 0.71).
- No significant difference in postoperative hospital stay between groups (MD: -1 day; 95% CI: [-4.71; 2.71]; d = -0.19).
Why it matters
Understanding the effectiveness of combining incentive spirometry with cardiac rehabilitation can inform clinical practices and optimize postoperative care for patients undergoing cardiac surgery, potentially improving recovery outcomes.