Effect of respiratory exercises on the prevalence of atelectasis in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery

Patients with coronary artery bypass (CAB) surgery are at risk of atelectasis. Use of respiratory exercises as effective approach has had controversy finding in CAB patients. This study aimed to determine the Effect of breathing exercises on the prevention of atelectasis in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. Materials and method: In this randomized clinical trial, 80 patients with CAB surgery who referred to Ekbatan Hospital, Hamadan, Iran from July 2013 to May 2015were randomly divided into two groups. In experimental group (n=40), patients were performed respiratory exercises as 30 deep respiratory per hour for 3 days postoperatively, after fully teaching and extubation along with routine care. In control group (n=40), patients only received routine care. Chest x ray was used to diagnosis of atelectasis.  Data analysis was done by SPSS Ver 17. Results: Both groups had not any significant different in term of age and gender (P> 0.05). Atelectasis has lower incidence in experimental group compared to control group (P<0.001(. Conclusion: This study showed that breathing exercises can reduce the incidence of atelectasis. Therefore, applying this method as a routine care is recommended in patients with CAB surgery.