RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07405333

Effect of Coughing Exercises Versus Incentive Spirometry on Respiratory Function and Recovery in Children After Cardiac Surgery.

Effect of Coughing Exercises Versus Incentive Spirometry on Respiratory Outcomes and Postoperative Recovery Among Children Undergoing Cardiac Surgery.

Sponsor

University of Baghdad

Enrollment

99 participants

Start Date

Dec 7, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Congenital Heart Disease (CHD)Postoperative Respiratory Dysfunction Postoperative Recovery After Cardiac Surgery

Summary

This study examines the effects of coughing exercises and incentive spirometry (IS) on lung function and recovery in children who undergo heart surgery. The main goals are to see: How coughing exercises and IS affect breathing and lung function after surgery? How these exercises influence overall recovery after surgery? Children who participate will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: coughing exercises, IS, or standard care. Those in the exercise groups will perform their assigned breathing exercises every 3 hours for the first 3 days after surgery. Daily check-ups will be conducted to monitor their progress, lung function, and oxygen levels. The study will measure breathing ability, oxygen levels, and recovery milestones to find out which method is most effective in preventing lung complications and helping children recover faster.

Eligibility

Min Age: 6 YearsMax Age: 18 Years

Inclusion Criteria4

Inclusion Crit
Children aged 6 to 18 years scheduled for elective cardiac surgery.
Postoperative extubation within 24 hours and judged clinically stable to begin respiratory therapy.
Hemodynamically stable.

Exclusion Criteria4

Pre-existing moderate-to-severe chronic lung disease requiring baseline oxygen therapy.
Neuromuscular disorders significantly impairing cough/inspiratory effort.
Emergency surgery, ongoing major bleeding.
Prolonged mechanical ventilation \>72 hours or tracheostomy on admission.

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALCoughing Exercises

participants will receive structured postoperative coughing exercises supervised by trained healthcare professionals. The intervention includes instruction on effective deep breathing followed by directed coughing to enhance airway clearance and prevent secretion retention. Exercises will be performed every 3 hours for three consecutive days after cardiac surgery, in addition to standard postoperative care.

DEVICEIncentive Spirometry

participants will perform postoperative incentive spirometry using a standard incentive spirometer under professional supervision. Children will be instructed to perform slow, deep inspirations with visual feedback to promote lung expansion and alveolar recruitment. The intervention will be conducted 15 times every 3 hours for three days after surgery, alongside standard postoperative care.

OTHERStandard Postoperative Care

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.