Effect of Positioning and ACBT on Pulmonary Complications After Cardiac Surgery
Starting soon · Not applicable
Conditions studied: Postoperative Pulmonary Complications (PPCs), Cardiac Surgery With Sternotomy, Atelectasis, Postoperative Pneumonia
In brief
The goal of this quasi-experimental clinical trial is to learn if position management combined with the Active Cycle of Breathing Techniques (ACBT) works to reduce postoperative pulmonary complications in adult patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. It will also evaluate the individual effects of each technique compared to routine care. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does the combination of positioning and ACBT significantly lower the incidence and severity of postoperative pulmonary complications (like atelectasis, pneumonia, and respiratory failure) within the first 7 days after surgery? Does the combination of these techniques reduce the length of hospital stay compared to using each technique alone or routine care? Does the application of ACBT alone lower the rate of respiratory infections? Does position management alone improve oxygenation parameters (such as SpO\_{2} and PaO\_{2})? Researchers will compare four groups of patients to determine the most effective nursing approach: Group 1 (Control Group): Participants will receive routine postoperative hospital care only. Group 2 (ACBT Group): Participants will perform the Active Cycle of Breathing Techniques (breathing control, thoracic expansion, and huffing) three times daily for 10-15 minutes over 5 postoperative days. Group 3 (Positioning Group): Participants will receive structured position management exclusively, shifting from head elevation (30-45) early after surgery to a semi-recumbent position (approx60) during waking hours, alongside other positions like lateral or forward-leaning as tolerated. Group 4 (Combined Group): Participants will receive both structured position management and perform the ACBT sessions according to the same schedules. All participants will undergo daily respiratory assessments using a standardized scoring system for 7 days post-surgery or until hospital discharge.
Key facts
- Study ID
- NCT07612033
- Run by
- Assiut University
- People needed
- 124
- Starts
- 2026-06-15
- Expected to finish
- 2027-01-01
- Last updated by the study team
- 2026-05-28
Who can join
Age: 20 and older, up to 65. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.
You may qualify if…
- Adult patients (aged from 20 years to 65 years old).
- Undergoing elective cardiac surgery (Coronary Artery bypass Grafting (CABG) or valves surgeries) via median sternotomy.
- Hemodynamically stable postoperatively (no high-dose vasopressor support).
- Fully conscious and capable of following complex verbal instructions.
You may not qualify if…
- • Patients undergoing emergency cardiac surgery.
- History of chronic respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchial asthma, or bronchiectasis
- Pre-existing pulmonary complications (e.g., pneumonia, atelectasis, pleural effusion) prior to surgery
- Neuromuscular disorders affecting respiratory muscles
- Severe obesity (e.g., BMI ≥35 kg/m²)
- Cognitive impairment or inability to follow instructions
- Any contraindication to physiotherapy techniques (e.g., unstable sternum, severe pain not controlled)
Where it is running
- Assiut University Heart Hospital, Cardiothoracic Surgery Department — Asyut, Asyut Governorate, Egypt
Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov
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