DyspneaNCT07591987
Effect of Different Breathing Techniques on Dyspnea and Cardiopulmonary Parameters Among Patients After Open Heart Surgery
A study testing Segmental Breathing Exercises, Active Cycle Breathing Technique and Standard postoperative care in people with Dyspnea and Cardiopulmonary Dysfunction, run by University of Baghdad at 3 sites in Iraq.
Trial summary
Open heart surgery is often associated with postoperative pulmonary complications, reduced lung expansion, dyspnea, and impaired cardiopulmonary function. Breathing exercises are commonly used after surgery to improve lung ventilation, enhance oxygenation, and support respiratory recovery. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 75 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Dyspnea, Cardiopulmonary Dysfunction, Postoperative Respiratory Dysfunction
- What is being tested?
- Segmental Breathing Exercises, Active Cycle Breathing Technique and Standard postoperative care
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 99 participants
- Where
- 3 sitesIraq
- Study dates
- 2 Jan 2026to 10 Oct 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 75 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Age 18-75 years.
- Scheduled for elective open-heart surgery.
- Can understand instructions and perform Segmental breathing and Active cycle breathing techniques.
- Stable preoperative hemodynamic condition.
Who cannot join
- Emergency cardiac surgeries.
- Patients with pre-existing severe pulmonary disease (e.g., COPD, asthma, restrictive lung disease, Atelectasis, and Tuberculosis).
- Neurological disorders affecting breathing effort.
- Patients with rib fractures, recent thoracic trauma, or contraindications for coughing maneuvers.
- Inability to provide informed consent (cognitive impairment, language barrier).
Trial locations and contacts
3 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Rusul Khalid Kadhim, Master Student contact
Iraq3 sites, 3 recruiting
- Recruiting
Ibn Al-Bitar Specialized Hospital for Cardiac Surgery
Baghdad, Baghdad Governorate, 10001
Muslim Aqeel Essa, Master student
- Recruiting
Iraqi Center for Heart Diseases
Baghdad, Baghdad Governorate, 10001
Muslim Aqeel Essa, Master student
- Recruiting
Al-Hassan Al-Mujtaba Hospital
Karbala, Kerbala Governorate, 56001
Muslim Aqeel Essa, Master student
About this study
Official title: Effect of Segmental Breathing Versus Active Cycle Breathing Techniques on Dyspnea and Cardiopulmonary Parameters Among Patients After Open Heart Surgery: Randomized Controlled Trial.
Open heart surgery is often associated with postoperative pulmonary complications, reduced lung expansion, dyspnea, and impaired cardiopulmonary function. Breathing exercises are commonly used after surgery to improve lung ventilation, enhance oxygenation, and support respiratory recovery. However, limited evidence is available comparing the effectiveness of segmental breathing exercises and active cycle breathing technique (ACBT) in patients after open heart surgery.
This randomized controlled trial will compare the effects of segmental breathing exercises and ACBT on dyspnea and cardiopulmonary parameters in adults undergoing open heart surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the segmental breathing exercise group, the ACBT group, or the standard care group during the postoperative period following extubation.
Read more
Cardiopulmonary parameters, including oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, heart rate, and blood pressure, as well as dyspnea severity and postoperative pulmonary complications, will be assessed before and after the interventions.
The findings of this study may help identify the most effective breathing exercise technique for improving respiratory outcomes, reducing postoperative pulmonary complications, and supporting evidence-based postoperative rehabilitation after cardiac surgery.
Read the detailed description
This randomized clinical trial evaluates the effects of segmental breathing exercises (SBE) and active cycle breathing technique (ACBT) on dyspnea, cardiopulmonary parameters, and postoperative pulmonary complications in adults undergoing elective open-heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.
Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: segmental breathing exercises group, active cycle breathing technique group, or standard care group. Patients in the intervention groups will perform the assigned breathing exercises after extubation, including sessions conducted 1 hour and 6 hours post-intervention during the early postoperative period.
Cardiopulmonary parameters, including oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, heart rate, and blood pressure parameters, will be monitored throughout hospitalization. Dyspnea and postoperative pulmonary complications, including atelectasis and pneumonia, will also be assessed.
The primary purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of breathing exercise interventions in improving postoperative respiratory outcomes and reducing pulmonary complications after cardiac surgery. The study also aims to support evidence-based postoperative rehabilitation practices for healthcare professionals caring for patients after open-heart surgery.
- Conditions
- Dyspnea, Cardiopulmonary Dysfunction, Postoperative Respiratory Dysfunction, Coronary Artery Disease
- Being tested
- Segmental Breathing Exercises, Active Cycle Breathing Technique, Standard postoperative care
- Keywords
- Open Heart Surgery, Cardiac Surgery, Breathing Exercises, Segmental Breathing Exercises, Active Cycle Breathing Technique, Postoperative Patients, Adult Patients, Dyspnea, Cardiopulmonary Parameters
- Medical subject headings
- Dyspnea, Coronary Artery Disease
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Segmental Breathing ExercisesBehavioural
Deep breathing exercises focusing on specific lung segments to improve ventilation, lung expansion, and oxygenation in post open heart surgery patients.
Active Cycle Breathing TechniqueBehavioural
A combination of breathing control, thoracic expansion exercises, and forced expiration technique to improve airway clearance and lung function.
Standard postoperative careOther
Participants will receive routine postoperative care according to institutional protocols following cardiac surgery. This includes standard medical and nursing management such as oxygen therapy, pain control, monitoring of vital signs, and mobilization as tolerated, without additional structured respiratory physiotherapy interventions.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Segmental Breathing Exercises | Experimental | Patients receive segmental breathing exercises after open heart surgery to improve lung expansion and cardiopulmonary function Receives: Behavioral: Segmental Breathing Exercises |
| Active Cycle Breathing Technique | Experimental | Patients receive active cycle breathing technique (ACBT) after open heart surgery to enhance airway clearance and improve respiratory function. Receives: Behavioral: Active Cycle Breathing Technique |
| Standard Postoperative Care | Active comparator | Patients receive routine postoperative care without structured breathing exercise interventions. Receives: Other: Standard postoperative care |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂)
Assessment of peripheral oxygen saturation in patients after open heart surgery undergoing breathing exercises (segmental breathing exercises or active cycle breathing technique)
Measured: Measurements will be obtained at baseline pre-intervention, 1 hour post-intervention, and 6 hours post-intervention during hospital stay
Respiratory Rate
Assessment of respiratory rate in patients after open heart surgery undergoing breathing exercises.
Measured: Measurements will be obtained at baseline pre-intervention,1 hour post-intervention, and 6 hours post-intervention
Heart Rate
Assessment of heart rate in patients after open heart surgery undergoing breathing exercises.
Measured: Measurements will be obtained at baseline pre-intervention, 1 hour post-intervention, and 6 hours post-intervention during hospital stay
Systolic Blood Pressure, Diastolic Blood Pressure, and Pulse Pressure
Assessment of Systolic Blood Pressure Pulse Pressure, and Diastolic Blood Pressure in patients after open heart surgery undergoing breathing exercises.
Measured: Measurements will be obtained at baseline pre-intervention, 1 hour post-intervention, and 6 hours post-intervention during hospital stay
Secondary outcomes (1)
Dyspnea Index
Assessment of dyspnea index in patients after open heart surgery using a standardized dyspnea scale contain ten questions for score 0 = Never. 1 = Almost never. 2 = Sometimes. 3 = Almost always. 4 = Always , the higher number is the worst that to evaluate changes before interventions and after implementation of segmental breathing exercises or active cycle breathing techniques.
Measured: measur at baseline pre-intervention and post-intervention after 6 hours.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted18 May 2026
- Study start2 Jan 2026
- Primary completion10 Jul 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion10 Oct 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for DyspneaStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by University of BaghdadThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- participants will be randomly assigned into intervention groups receiving segmental breathing exercises and another receiving active cycle breathing techniques compare to control group after open heart surgery to evaluate their effects on dyspnea and cardiopulmonary parameters.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 99 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Baghdad
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Muslim Aqeel Essa, University of Baghdad
- Investigators
- Wafaa Abd Ali Hattab, Assist prof, Principal investigator, College of Nursing , University of Baghdad
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07591987
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- UOB-NUR-2026-03
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 7 May 2026
- Last updated
- 18 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: IPD will not be shared due to patient privacy and confidentiality concerns.
Publications
Salehi Derakhtanjani A, Ansari Jaberi A, Haydari S, Negahban Bonabi T. Comparison the Effect of Active Cyclic Breathing Technique and Routine Chest Physiotherapy on Pain and Respiratory Parameters After Coronary Artery Graft Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Anesth Pain Med. 2019 Oct 16;9(5):e94654. doi: 10.5812/aapm.94654. eCollection 2019 Oct.
PubMed 31903332
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 18 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effect of Segmental Breathing Versus Active Cycle Breathing Techniques on Dyspnea and Cardiopulmonary Parameters Among Patients After Open Heart Surgery: Randomized Controlled Trial.
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07591987
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- UOB-NUR-2026-03
- Conditions
- Dyspnea, Cardiopulmonary Dysfunction, Postoperative Respiratory Dysfunction, Coronary Artery Disease
- Keywords
- Open Heart Surgery, Cardiac Surgery, Breathing Exercises, Segmental Breathing Exercises, Active Cycle Breathing Technique, Postoperative Patients, Adult Patients, Dyspnea
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 99 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of BaghdadUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 2 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 10 Jul 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 10 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 18 May 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Open heart surgery is often associated with postoperative pulmonary complications, reduced lung expansion, dyspnea, and impaired cardiopulmonary function. Breathing exercises are commonly used after surgery to improve lung ventilation, enhance oxygenation, and support respiratory recovery. However, limited evidence is available comparing the effectiveness of segmental breathing exercises and active cycle breathing technique (ACBT) in patients after open heart surgery.
This randomized controlled trial will compare the effects of segmental breathing exercises and ACBT on dyspnea and cardiopulmonary parameters in adults undergoing open heart surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the segmental breathing exercise group, the ACBT group, or the standard care group during the postoperative period following extubation.
Cardiopulmonary parameters, including oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, heart rate, and blood pressure, as well as dyspnea severity and postoperative pulmonary complications, will be assessed before and after the interventions.
The findings of this study may help identify the most effective breathing exercise technique for improving respiratory outcomes, reducing postoperative pulmonary complications, and supporting evidence-based postoperative rehabilitation after cardiac surgery.
Detailed description
This randomized clinical trial evaluates the effects of segmental breathing exercises (SBE) and active cycle breathing technique (ACBT) on dyspnea, cardiopulmonary parameters, and postoperative pulmonary complications in adults undergoing elective open-heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.
Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: segmental breathing exercises group, active cycle breathing technique group, or standard care group. Patients in the intervention groups will perform the assigned breathing exercises after extubation, including sessions conducted 1 hour and 6 hours post-intervention during the early postoperative period.
Cardiopulmonary parameters, including oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, heart rate, and blood pressure parameters, will be monitored throughout hospitalization. Dyspnea and postoperative pulmonary complications, including atelectasis and pneumonia, will also be assessed.
The primary purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of breathing exercise interventions in improving postoperative respiratory outcomes and reducing pulmonary complications after cardiac surgery. The study also aims to support evidence-based postoperative rehabilitation practices for healthcare professionals caring for patients after open-heart surgery.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- participants will be randomly assigned into intervention groups receiving segmental breathing exercises and another receiving active cycle breathing techniques compare to control group after open heart surgery to evaluate their effects on dyspnea and cardiopulmonary parameters.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Segmental Breathing Exercises | Experimental | Behavioral: Segmental Breathing ExercisesPatients receive segmental breathing exercises after open heart surgery to improve lung expansion and cardiopulmonary function |
| Active Cycle Breathing Technique | Experimental | Behavioral: Active Cycle Breathing TechniquePatients receive active cycle breathing technique (ACBT) after open heart surgery to enhance airway clearance and improve respiratory function. |
| Standard Postoperative Care | Active comparator | Other: Standard postoperative carePatients receive routine postoperative care without structured breathing exercise interventions. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 75 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Age 18-75 years.
- Scheduled for elective open-heart surgery.
- Can understand instructions and perform Segmental breathing and Active cycle breathing techniques.
- Stable preoperative hemodynamic condition.
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Emergency cardiac surgeries.
- Patients with pre-existing severe pulmonary disease (e.g., COPD, asthma, restrictive lung disease, Atelectasis, and Tuberculosis).
- Neurological disorders affecting breathing effort.
- Patients with rib fractures, recent thoracic trauma, or contraindications for coughing maneuvers.
- Inability to provide informed consent (cognitive impairment, language barrier).
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Segmental Breathing ExercisesDeep breathing exercises focusing on specific lung segments to improve ventilation, lung expansion, and oxygenation in post open heart surgery patients. | Behavioural | Segmental Breathing Exercises |
| Active Cycle Breathing TechniqueA combination of breathing control, thoracic expansion exercises, and forced expiration technique to improve airway clearance and lung function. | Behavioural | Active Cycle Breathing Technique |
| Standard postoperative careParticipants will receive routine postoperative care according to institutional protocols following cardiac surgery. This includes standard medical and nursing management such as oxygen therapy, pain control, monitoring of vital signs, and mobilization as tolerated, without additional structured respiratory physiotherapy interventions. | Other | Standard Postoperative Care |
Primary outcome
Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂)
Time frame: Measurements will be obtained at baseline pre-intervention, 1 hour post-intervention, and 6 hours post-intervention during hospital stay
Assessment of peripheral oxygen saturation in patients after open heart surgery undergoing breathing exercises (segmental breathing exercises or active cycle breathing technique)
Respiratory Rate
Time frame: Measurements will be obtained at baseline pre-intervention,1 hour post-intervention, and 6 hours post-intervention
Assessment of respiratory rate in patients after open heart surgery undergoing breathing exercises.
Heart Rate
Time frame: Measurements will be obtained at baseline pre-intervention, 1 hour post-intervention, and 6 hours post-intervention during hospital stay
Assessment of heart rate in patients after open heart surgery undergoing breathing exercises.
Systolic Blood Pressure, Diastolic Blood Pressure, and Pulse Pressure
Time frame: Measurements will be obtained at baseline pre-intervention, 1 hour post-intervention, and 6 hours post-intervention during hospital stay
Assessment of Systolic Blood Pressure Pulse Pressure, and Diastolic Blood Pressure in patients after open heart surgery undergoing breathing exercises.
1 secondary outcome
Dyspnea Index
Time frame: measur at baseline pre-intervention and post-intervention after 6 hours.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 18 May 2026.
- Background: PubMed 31903332Salehi Derakhtanjani A, Ansari Jaberi A, Haydari S, Negahban Bonabi T. Comparison the Effect of Active Cyclic Breathing Technique and Routine Chest Physiotherapy on Pain and Respiratory Parameters After Coronary Artery Graft Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Anesth Pain Med. 2019 Oct 16;9(5):e94654. doi: 10.5812/aapm.94654. eCollection 2019 Oct.
- Comparison the effect of active cyclic breathing technique and routine chest physiotherapy on pain and respiratory parameters after coronary artery graft surgery: A randomized clinical trial.Link provided by the sponsor.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. IPD will not be shared due to patient privacy and confidentiality concerns.
Related trials for Dyspnea
Not yet recruiting
Mechanical Ventilator Adjustments and Patient Dyspnea
Respiratory Failure, Dyspnea During Mechanical Ventilation
RecruitingPhase 3
A Study to Learn About the Monthly Dosing Study Medicine Called Berobenatide in Adults With Breathing Problems During Sleep and Overweight or Obesity Who Do Not Use a Breathing Machine (PAP) (VESPER-OSA 2)
Apnea, Sleep Disorders
Not yet recruiting
Lung Cancer and Aging: Improving Well-being for Older Adults With Lung Cancer
Lung Cancer
RecruitingPhase 2
A Study to Learn About the Study Medicine Called PF-07275315 in People With Moderate-To-Severe Asthma
Asthma
Recruiting
The Impact of Telemedicine, Using the Caller's Mobile Phone Camera, on the Quality of Care Provided to Adult Patients Contacting the 15 Centre for Acute Dyspnea
Dyspnea
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Rusul Khalid Kadhim, Master Student contact
Wafaa Abd Ali Hattab, Assist prof principal investigator
College of Nursing , University of Baghdad
3 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Segmental Breathing Exercises, Active Cycle Breathing Technique and Standard postoperative care in people with Dyspnea and Cardiopulmonary Dysfunction, run by University of Baghdad at 3 sites in Iraq.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 18 May 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 3 sites in Iraq. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Muslim Aqeel Essa, Master Student (+9647822218483, muslim.eesa2402m@conursing.uobaghdad.edu.iq), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂) (time frame: Measurements will be obtained at baseline pre-intervention, 1 hour post-intervention, and 6 hours post-intervention during hospital stay). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07591987, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 18 May 2026.