Year: 2025 | Month: April-June | Volume: 10 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 87-106
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/gijhsr.20250209
Comparative Study of Incentive Spirometer and Active Cycle Breathing Technique in Improving FEV1/FVC in Post CABG Patients Phase-1
Dr. Sukeerthi Patel1, Dr. Syed Rais Akhter Rizvi2
1MPT (Cardio-Vascular and Pulmonary Sciences), Consultant Physiotherapist, Bangalore, Karnataka.
2MPT(MSS), PhD Scholar. JRN University, Udaipur.
Director, Institute of Manual Therapy and Taping.
Corresponding Author: Dr. Sukeerthi Patel
ABSTRACT
Background: Following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, patients often develop lung complications like collapsed lung segments and reduced lung capacity, leading to low blood oxygen and breathing difficulties that impede recovery. Incentive spirometry (IS) and active cycle of breathing techniques (ACBT) are physiotherapy methods used to improve lung function post-surgery. A Phase 1 trial assessed the safety and feasibility of IS and ACBT in CABG patients, specifically looking at their impact on the FEV1/FVC ratio. Both methods significantly improved lung function and reduced breathlessness, with ACBT showing slightly better results. No safety issues were observed, indicating both techniques are safe and feasible. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore long-term benefits, suggesting that incorporating IS and ACBT into post-CABG care could improve recovery and lower complication rates.
Objective: the objective of the study is to compare the safety and feasibility of IS and ACBT in improving forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity ratio (FEV1/FVC) in post-coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients, while exploring their effectiveness in improving pulmonary function parameters.
Methodology: A cohort of post-CABG patients was subjected to either IS or ACBT during Phase 1 rehabilitation. Safety and feasibility were evaluated alongside changes in pulmonary function parameters (FEV1, FVC, PEFR) and perceived breathlessness (Modified Borg Scale). Statistical analysis was conducted to compare the outcomes between the two intervention groups.
Results: The study found that Active Cycle of Breathing Techniques (ACBT) resulted in higher mean FEV1 (3.68 ± 0.96 L) and FVC (4.20 ± 0.87 L) compared to Incentive Spirometry (FEV1: 3.30 ± 1.13 L, FVC: 3.75 ± 0.94 L). ACBT also showed greater PEFR (6.81 ± 1.89 L/s) and lower Modified Borg Scale scores for breathlessness (4.07 ± 0.35) than Incentive Spirometry (PEFR: 5.76 ± 2.02 L/s, Borg Scale: 4.89 ± 1.47), indicating superior outcomes in pulmonary function and reduced breathlessness.
Conclusion: Incorporating IS and ACBT into postoperative care protocols for CABG patients can significantly enhance recovery by improving pulmonary function and reducing breathlessness. Larger trials are warranted to confirm these findings and explore long-term benefits, but this Phase 1 trial lays the groundwork for future research in this area.
Keywords: CABG, Incentive Spirometerer, Active Cycle of Breathing Techniques, FEV1/FVC, Postoperative Pulmonary Complications, pulmonary function, breathlessness, rehabilitation