Effect of breathing exercises to prevent pulmonary complications in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery: A pilot study

<h2>Abstract</h2><h3>Objective</h3> To explore the impact of perioperative breathing exercises on postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (OPCABG) surgery. <h3>Design</h3> A single-center, randomized controlled pilot study. <h3>Setting</h3> The inpatient unit of a tertiary hospital affiliated with a university in Beijing, China. <h3>Participants</h3> A total of 154 eligible elective OPCABG patients were randomized 1:1 to the intervention group (perioperative breathing exercises + standard care, n=77) or control group (standard care only, n=77). <h3>Intervention</h3> Breathing exercises (balloon-blowing, deep breathing, and coughing) performed for at least five days before surgery, in addition to standard perioperative care. <h3>Measurements & Main Results</h3> PPC incidence was significantly lower in the intervention group (15.6% vs. 42.9%, P<0.001). Postoperative PaO2 was higher (P<0.05) and six-minute walk test distance longer (327.01±41.07m vs. 319.94±29.08m, P=0.03). SF-36 scores for physical functioning and social functioning were better in the intervention group at one month (P<0.01). <h3>Conclusion</h3> Perioperative breathing exercises may reduce PPC incidence, preserve arterial oxygenation, improve functional capacity and quality of life in OPCABG patients. Larger multicenter studies are warranted to confirm these preliminary findings.