Preoperative Inspiratory Muscle Training in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: A Practical Guidance for Rehabilitation Physicians

Introduction: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery increases the life expectancy of coronary artery disease patients, but the surgery itself causes postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC). PPC was associated with a decrease in respiratory muscle and lung function. Inspiratory muscle trainer (IMT) has been used in cardiac rehabilitation for post-CABG surgery patients. This review aimed at guiding clinical practitioners in preoperative IMT use. Methods: Articles written in English were searched using PubMed, EBSCOhost, and Google Scholar databases without limitation of year of publication used relevant keywords. The inclusion criteria were participants undergoing CABG surgery in the pre-operative period and were given threshold IMT. Result and Discussion: Preoperative IMT did not increase lung function, but it prevented a decrease in lung function postoperatively. The incidence of PPC was lower and the length of stay was shorter in patients who were given preoperative IMT compared to the control. Preoperative IMT also increased the strength and endurance of inspiratory muscles associated with decreased PPC. Conclusion: Preoperative IMT given to patients undergoing CABG surgery has been proven to prevent PPC and increase respiratory muscle function. This review provides practical guidance for preoperative IMT administration to improve outcomes of patients undergoing CABG surgery.