The Effect of Neurophysiological Facilitation Techniques on Health Parameters in Early Stages After Open Heart Surgery

Day 1:Patients were informed about the surgery, positioning and mobilization.Range of motion (ROM), respiratory control, diaphragmatic breathing, pursed lip breathing, thoracal expansion exercises, assisted coughing,forced expiration techniques, which are the components of active breathing techniques cycle (ABTC), were taught.The use of incentive spirometry (IS) was demonstrated.Patients were performed 10 repetitions of IS exercises, and 5 repetitions ABTC and were asked to repeat them every hour.The patient was made to sit for 10 minutes and was walked 60 meters twice a day. 2:ROM, IS and diaphragmatic breathing exercises were applied 10 times each.ABTC was repeated in 5 sets. 120 meters was walked 5 times during the day. 3:Sitting time was increased to 30 minutes and walking distance was increased to 240 meters.5 steps were climbed. 4:Walking distance was increased to 360 meters.One flight of stairs was climbed.Discharge training was given.

In addition to the phase 1 cardiac rehabilitation program for the group receiving neurophysiological facilitation (NPF) techniques: NPF techniques such as perioral stimulation, intercostal tension, anterior basal lift, vertebral pressure, moderate manual pressure and abdominal co-contraction were applied for ten times for ten seconds. Diaphragm facilitation exercise was performed by inhaling against resistance and holding the breath against resistance for 5 seconds. Unilateral and bilateral upper extremity proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) movements combined with breathing were performed. NPF techniques were performed 10 times each day throughout the treatment, while other applications (diaphragm facilitation, combined breathing exercise with upper extremity PNF technique and respiratory facilitation) were performed 5 times on the first day and 10 times on the other three days.