Abstract

Aim. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of incentive spirometry and deep breathing exercises on arterial blood gas parameters after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Background. After CABG, pulmonary complications and oxygenation disorders are common and play an important role in post-operative mortality and morbidity. The different methods are being used for improvement of pulmonary function and oxygenation after CABG.

Method. In this clinical trial study, 75 patients who were candidate for CABG surgery were recruited and randomly allocated to two intervention groups (incentive spirometry group and deep breathing exercise group) and control group. The groups were compared in terms of arterial blood gas parameters (PaO2, PaCO2 and SaO2) before surgery, and on the first day, the second day, and the third day after surgery.

Findings. The study findings showed that in the third postoperative day, there was a statistically significant difference between intervention groups and control group in terms of the mean of arterial blood gas parameters (PaO2, PaCO2 and SaO2). 

Conclusion. Incentive spirometry and deep breathing exercise are both significantly effective on improvement of arterial blood gas parameters (PaO2, PaCO2 and SaO2).