Original Article: JRCRS 2019; 7(2): 69-73

7-Anterior Chest Physiotherapy and Breathing Exercises for Cardiac Surgery Patients; A Cross Sectional Survey

Abdul Razzaque¹, AAmir Gul Memon², Hasnain Haider³, Iqra Ghouri4, Subbayal Shaikh⁵, Fizah Mahnoor Khan⁶

¹Physiotherapist at KKT spine rehab center Karachi.

²HOD At Suleman Roshan institute of physiotherapy, Tando Adam.

³Physiotherapist at IPRS, LUMHS Jamshoro

⁴Physiotherapist At rehab center Karachi.

⁵Senior lecturer at Bhittai institute of physiotherapy, Mirpurkhas.

⁶Demonstrator at Islamabad Institute of Health Sciences, Chak Shezad.

Full-text PDF

Abstract:

Background: Coronary artery disease introduced as the most prevalent cause of mortality all over the world. There is limited published data on which type of chest physiotherapy and breathing exercises are recommended to cardiac patients after surgery.

Objectives To determine the prevalence of chest physiotherapy and breathing exercise for the post cardiac patients.

To determine the type of chest physiotherapy and breathing exercise for the post cardiac patients.

Methodology: A Cross-sectional survey was conducted on 150 physiotherapists from March to May 2018 selected via convenience sampling technique. Data was collected from Tabba cardiac Hospital Karachi, NICVD, and Trauma center Karachi, using self-structured questionnaire for prevalence and type of exercise. Data was analyzed using SPSS v.21.

Results: According to the results, the prevalence of chest physiotherapy and breathing exercise for the cardiac patients was 80%. The most frequent type of exercise was deep breathing 92%, diaphragmatic breathing 90%, coughing80%, relaxation techniques 72% and chest wall Vibration 70%. The less used treatments were positive expiratory pressure (PEP) device breathing (21.3%) and inspiratory resistance positive expiratory pressure (IR-PEP) (12.5%). Recommendations to continue breathing exercises after discharge varied from not at all up to 3 months after surgery.

Conclusion: Physiotherapy and Breathing exercise are mostly used in post-operative cardiac procedures. Every Hour breathing activities, diaphragmatic breathing and pressed together lip breathing exercise the highly recommended regime practiced. Guideline for the duration after discharge varies.