Effect of inspiratory muscle training before cardiac surgery in routine care

The impact of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation in phase II cardiac rehabilitation program on the health-related quality of life of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery bypass surgery is the leading cause of change in the quality of life and pulmonary function of patients. One strategy to enhance lung muscle strength and improve overall quality of life is pulmonary rehabilitation. This study aimed to investigate the impact of incorporating a pulmonary rehabilitation program into phase II cardiac rehabilitation program on the quality of life of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

METHODS

This randomized clinical trial study included 53 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery at Imam Reza Hospital in Mashhad between September 2019 and March 2020. The research participants were selected based on specific inclusion criteria and divided into two groups. The control group followed the routine rehabilitation program, whereas the intervention group underwent a pulmonary rehabilitation program for 20-30 min after each session of the cardiac rehabilitation program. Data collection tools included a demographic information questionnaire and the Ferrans and Powers' quality of life index. The data were analyzed using the independent t-test, Mann-Whitney test, paired t-test, Spearman correlation, Wilcoxon test, and SPSS25.

RESULTS

The mean quality of life score in the intervention group(20.7±1.8) was significantly higher than that of the control group (18.8±2.3)(P < 0.05). Furthermore, the intervention group exhibited significantly higher mean scores in the physical, psychological-spiritual, and family dimensions than the control group(P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The study results demonstrate the positive impact of incorporating a pulmonary rehabilitation program into cardiac rehabilitation on the health-related quality of life of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

IRCT20190707044132N1.

Effectiveness of Preoperative Chest Physiotherapy in Patients Undergoing Elective Cardiac Surgery, a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background and Objectives: Patients undergoing cardiac surgery are particularly vulnerable for developing postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the role of preoperative chest physiotherapy in such patients. Materials and Methods: All original articles that assessed patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery, with preoperative chest physiotherapy, and compared them to patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery, without preoperative chest physiotherapy, were included. Animal studies, studies conducted prior to the year 2000, commentaries, or general discussion papers whose authors did not present original data were excluded. Studies assessing physiotherapy regimens other than chest physiotherapy were also excluded. The search was performed using the following electronic resources: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the PubMed central database, and Embase. The included studies were assessed for potential bias using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing the risk of bias. Each article was read carefully, and any relevant data were extracted. The extracted data were registered, tabulated, and analyzed using Review Manager software. Results: A total of 10 articles investigating 1458 patients were included in the study. The studies were published from 2006 to 2019. The populations were patients scheduled for elective CABG/cardiac surgery, and they were classified into two groups: the interventional (I) group, involving 651 patients, and the control (C) group, involving 807 patients. The meta-analysis demonstrated no significant differences between the interventional and control groups in surgery time and ICU duration, but a significant difference was found in the time of mechanical ventilation and the length of hospital stay, favoring the interventional group. A significant difference was shown in the forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1% _predicted), forced vital capacity (FVC% _predicted), and maximum inspiratory pressure (Pi-max), favoring the interventional group. Conclusions: This study is limited by the fact that one of the included ten studies was not an RCT. Moreover, due to lack of the assessment of certain variables in some studies, the highest number of studies included in a meta-analysis was the hospital stay length (eight studies), and the other variables were analyzed in a fewer number of studies. The data obtained can be considered as initial results until more inclusive RCTs are conducted involving a larger meta-analysis. However, in the present study, the intervention was proved to be protective against the occurrence of PPCs. The current work concluded that preoperative chest physiotherapy can yield better outcomes in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery.

Effect of positioning and expiratory rib-cage compression on atelectasis in a patient who required prolonged mechanical ventilation: a case report

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary complications can be caused by intraoperative mechanical ventilation. In particular, prolonged mechanical ventilation is associated with a high mortality rate, a risk of pulmonary complications, prolonged hospitalization, and an unfavorable discharge destination. Pre- and postoperative rehabilitation are important for the resolution of pulmonary complications in acute cases. However, there has been a lack of studies on interventions for pulmonary rehabilitation of patients with chronic pulmonary complications caused by prolonged mechanical ventilation. Accordingly, we describe the effect of pulmonary rehabilitation in such a patient.

CASE PRESENTATION

We examined a 63-year-old Japanese woman with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy after subarachnoid hemorrhage who required prolonged mechanical ventilation. Radiographic and computed tomographic images revealed atelectasis of the right upper lobe. In addition, this atelectasis reduced the tidal volume, minute volume, and oxygen saturation and caused an absence of breath sounds in the right upper lobe during auscultation. We aimed to ameliorate the patient's atelectasis and improve her ventilation parameters by using positioning and expiratory rib-cage compression after endotracheal suctioning. Specifically, the patient was seated in Fowler's position, and mild pressure was applied to the upper thorax during expiration, improving her inspiratory volume. Immediately, breath sounds were audible in the right upper lobe. Furthermore, resolution of the patient's atelectasis was confirmed with chest radiography performed on the same day. In addition, her ventilation parameters (tidal volume, minute volume, and oxygen saturation) improved.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that physical therapists should consider application of specific positioning and expiratory rib-cage compression in patients who exhibit atelectasis because of prolonged mechanical ventilation.

Effectiveness of preoperative breathing exercise interventions in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: A systematic review

Postoperative pulmonary complications are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, leading to an increase in length of hospital stay and healthcare costs. This systematic literature review aims to determine whether patients undergoing cardiac surgery who undergo preoperative breathing exercise training have better postoperative outcomes such as respiratory parameters, postoperative pulmonary complications, and length of hospital stay. Systematic searches were performed in the CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Clinical Answers, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, MEDLINE and MedicLatina databases. Studies were included if they examined adult patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery, who underwent a preoperative breathing exercise training aimed at improving breathing parameters, preventing postoperative pulmonary complications, and reducing hospital length of stay. This systematic review was based on Cochrane and Prisma statement recommendations in the design, literature search, analysis, and reporting of the review. The search yielded 608 records. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Ten studies were randomized controlled trials and one was an observational cohort study. Data from 1240 participants was retrieved from these studies and meta-analysis was performed whenever possible. A preoperative breathing intervention on patients undergoing cardiac surgery may help improve respiratory performance after surgery, reduce postoperative pulmonary complications and hospital length of stay. However, more trials are needed to support and strengthen the evidence.

Preoperative Treatment of Malnutrition and Sarcopenia in Cardiac Surgery: New Frontiers

Cardiac surgery is performed more often in a population with an increasing number of comorbidities. Although these surgeries can be lifesaving, they disturb homeostasis and may induce a temporary overall loss of physiologic function. The required postoperative intensive care unit and hospital stay often lead to a mid- to long-term decline of nutritional and physical status, mental health, and health-related quality of life. Prehabilitation before elective surgery might be an opportunity to optimize the state of the patient. This article discusses current evidence and potential effects of preoperative optimization of nutrition and physical status before cardiac surgery.

The benefit of a preoperative respiratory protocol and musculoskeletal exercise in patients undergoing cardiac surgery

Introduction

Loss of physical activity and pulmonary dysfunction with its associated complications represent two of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality following cardiac surgery.

Aim

To evaluate whether a physiotherapy program based on respiratory training with or without musculoskeletal mobilization, started preoperatively, may provide a significant improvement in pulmonary and musculoskeletal recovery postoperatively in a sufficiently large sample of patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery.

Material and methods

One-hundred and two patients with similar baseline and preoperative characteristics were assigned to a preoperative respiratory physiotherapy protocol (group R, n = 34), a preoperative respiratory and motor physiotherapy protocol (group R + M, n = 34), or no preoperative specific physiotherapy protocol but only a simplified perioperative standard physiotherapy protocol (control group, C, n = 34). Data on 6-minute walking test, peak expiratory flow, and from blood gas analysis were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

As compared with group C, a statistically significant improvement was observed in the two preoperatively treated groups in terms of 1) better pre- (+0.7-0.8 Lt/min, p < 0.05) and postoperative (+1 Lt/min, p < 0.01) peak expiratory flow values; 2) longer pre- (+50-100 m, p < 0.01) and postoperative (+65-170 m, p < 0.01) distance traveled in the 6-minute walking test; 3) better PaO₂, SaO₂, pH value in postoperative blood gas measurements (p < 0.05, for all comparisons); 4) reduction of postoperative length of in-hospital stay (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

A benefit of combined respiratory and motor physiotherapy protocols can be expected in the groups of patients preoperatively treated, especially with the respiratory one, either before or after cardiac surgery with a faster recovery of physical-functional activities. Specifically, the motor protocol is associated with greater autonomy of running before or after cardiac surgery.

The Year in Thoracic Anesthesia: Selected Highlights from 2019

THIS special article is the 4th in an annual series for the Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia. The authors thank the editor-in-chief, Dr. Kaplan; the associate editor-in-chief, Dr. Augoustides; and the editorial board for the opportunity to expand this series, the research highlights of the year that specifically pertain to the specialty of thoracic anesthesia. The major themes selected for 2019 are outlined in this introduction, and each highlight is reviewed in detail in the main body of the article. The literature highlights in this specialty for 2019 include updates in the preoperative assessment and optimization of patients undergoing lung resection and esophagectomy, updates in one lung ventilation (OLV) and protective ventilation during OLV, a review of recent meta-analyses comparing truncal blocks with paravertebral catheters and the introduction of a new truncal block, meta-analyses comparing nonintubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) with those performed using endotracheal intubation, a review of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) recent composite score rating for pulmonary resection of lung cancer, and an update of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) guidelines for both lung and esophageal surgery.

Preoperative exercise and recovery after cardiac surgery: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the association between preoperative exercise and recovery after cardiac surgery.

METHODS

Literature comparing preoperative exercise and the control group for patients receiving cardiac surgery was retrieved in multiple databases. Review Manager 5.2 was adopted for meta-analysis, sensitivity analysis and bias analysis.

RESULTS

Finally, 6 relevant studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. There was significant difference in length of stay in intensive care unit (ICU) (MD- = 1.35, 95%CI [- 2.64, - 0.06], P = 0.04; P for heterogeneity < 0.0001, I2 = 88%) and physical function after operation (P of heterogeneity = 0.32, I2 = 12%, Z = 9.92, P of over effect< 0.00001). The meta-analysis suggested that there was no significant difference in white blood cell count (WBC) at postoperative day 7 and mental health after operation between the exercise group and the control group. Limited publication bias was observed in this study.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative exercise including inhaled muscle training, aerobics, resistance training and stretching could promote recovery after cardiac surgery.

The effect of preoperative respiratory physiotherapy and motor exercise in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery: short-term results

Introduction

Loss of physical activity and pulmonary dysfunction with its associated complications represent two of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality following cardiac surgery. Few studies have investigated the effects of preoperative interventions targeted at improving cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal function in the postoperative period.

Aim

To evaluate whether a physiotherapy program based on respiratory training with or without musculoskeletal mobilization, started preoperatively, may provide a significant improvement in pulmonary and musculoskeletal recovery postoperatively in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery.

Material and methods

Patients with similar baseline and preoperative characteristics were randomly assigned to a preoperative respiratory physiotherapy protocol (group A), a preoperative respiratory and motor physiotherapy protocol (group B), or no preoperative specific physiotherapy protocol but only a simplified perioperative standard physiotherapy protocol (control group or group C). Group A consisted of 19 patients, group B of 20, group C of 20. Data on 6-minute walking test, peak expiratory flow, and from blood gas analysis were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

As compared with group C, a statistically significant improvement was observed in the two preoperatively treated groups A and B in terms of longer pre- and postoperative distance traveled at the 6-minute walking test, better pre- and postoperative peak expiratory flow value, and better PaO₂ and SaO₂ values in postoperative blood gas measurements (p < 0.05, for all comparisons). A statistically significant reduction of the postoperative length of in-hospital stay was also observed in group B.

Conclusions

As compared with the control group, substantially better clinical results for respiratory and musculoskeletal function were found in the groups preoperatively treated with physiotherapeutic protocols immediately before as well as after cardiac surgery.

Prevention of postoperative pulmonary complications through preoperative physiotherapy interventions in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft: literature review

[Purpose] The purpose of this review is to identify which preoperative physiotherapy interventions are applied in patients undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft. [Participants and Methods] A literature review was carried out using the databases EBSCOhost, Pubmed, LILACS, IBECS, Cochrane and PEDro. Taking into consideration the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 14 studies published in 2006-2017 about preoperative physiotherapy to Coronary Artery Bypass Graft in adults were selected. [Results] Preoperative physiotherapy included interventions such as inspiratory muscle training, aerobic exercise, education in breathing exercises and counselling. Most of the studies described a combination of these interventions illustrating benefits for patients as decreasing the risk of developing postoperative pulmonary complications, reducing the length of hospitalization as well as time to extubation, anxiety and depression. [Conclusion] Preoperative Physiotherapy in patients undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft includes different interventions, and their effects have been evaluated mainly through a combination of them. These combined interventions, particularly those with an inspiratory muscle training component reduce postoperative pulmonary complications. More studies are needed to identify their impact for patients.

The role of physiotherapy in patients undergoing pulmonary surgery for lung cancer. A literature review

This review aims to appraise the role of physiotherapy care in patients submitted to pulmonary surgery, in preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative phases. Pulmonary surgery is the gold standard treatment for patients with lung cancer if it is completely resectable. However, the major impairments and complications induced by surgery are well known. Physiotherapy has been regularly used both in the preparation of the surgical candidates; in their functional recovery in the immediate postoperative period, and in the medium/long term but there is a lack of concise evidence-based recommendations. Therefore, the aim of this review is to appraise the literature about the role of physiotherapy interventions in patients undergoing lung surgery for lung cancer, in preoperative, perioperative, postoperative and maintenance stages, to the recovery and well-being, regardless of the extent of surgical approach. In conclusion, physiotherapy programs should be individually designed, and the goals established according to surgery timings, and according to each subject's needs. It can also be concluded that in the preoperative phase, the main goals are to avoid postoperative pulmonary complications and reduce the length of hospital stay, and the therapeutic targets are respiratory muscle training, bronchial hygiene and exercise training. For the perioperative period, breathing exercises for pulmonary expansion and bronchial hygiene, as well as early mobilization and deambulation, postural correction and shoulder range of motion activities, should be added. Finally, it can be concluded that in the postoperative phase exercise training should be maintained, and adoption of healthy life-style behaviours must be encouraged.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome after cardiac surgery

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a leading cause of postoperative respiratory failure, with a mortality rate approaching 40% in the general population and 80% in the subset of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The increased risk of ARDS in these patients has traditionally been associated with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), the need for blood product transfusions, large volume shifts, mechanical ventilation and direct surgical insult. Indeed, the impact of ARDS in the cardiac population is substantial, affecting not only survival but also in-hospital length of stay and long-term physical and psychological morbidity. No patient undergoing cardiac surgery can be considered ARDS risk-free. Early identification of those at higher risk is crucial to warrant the adoption of both surgical and non-surgical specific preventative strategies. The present review focuses on epidemiology, risk assessment, pathophysiology, prevention and management of ARDS in the specific setting of patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Feasibility of Exercise Training in Cancer Patients Scheduled for Elective Gastrointestinal Surgery

BACKGROUND/AIMS

This study examines the feasibility of a preoperative exercise program to improve the physical fitness of a patient before gastrointestinal surgery.

METHODS

An outpatient exercise program was developed to increase preoperative aerobic capacity, peripheral muscle endurance and respiratory muscle function in patients with pancreatic, liver, intestinal, gastric or esophageal cancer. During a consult at the outpatient clinic, patients were invited to participate in the exercise program when their surgery was not scheduled within 2 weeks.

RESULTS

The 115 participants followed on average 5.7 (3.5) training sessions. Adherence to the exercise program was high: 82% of the planned training sessions were attended, and no adverse events occurred. Mixed model analyses showed a significant increase of maximal inspiratory muscle strength (84.1-104.7 cm H2O; p = 0.00) and inspiratory muscle endurance (35.0-39.5 cm H2O; p = 0.00). No significant changes were found in aerobic capacity and peripheral muscle strength.

CONCLUSION

This exercise program in patients awaiting oncological surgery is feasible in terms of participation and adherence. Inspiratory muscle function improved significantly as a result of inspiratory muscle training. The exercise program however failed to result in improved aerobic capacity and peripheral muscle strength, probably due to the limited number of training sessions as a result of the restricted time interval between screening and surgery.

Preoperative exercise therapy in lung surgery patients: A systematic review

OBJECTIVES

The impact of postoperative complications after lung surgery for cancer is substantial, with the increasing age of patients and the presence of comorbidities. This systematic review summarises the effects of Preoperative Exercise Therapy (PET) in patients scheduled for lung surgery on aerobic capacity, physical fitness, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, quality of life and recovery.

METHODS

A systematic search on PET prior to lung surgery was conducted. The methodological quality of the included studies was rated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. The agreement between the reviewers was assessed with Cohen's kappa.

RESULTS

A total of eleven studies were included with a methodological quality ranging from poor to good. The agreement between the reviewers, assessed with the Cohen's kappa, was 0.79. Due to substantial heterogeneity in the interventions across the included studies, it was impossible to conduct a meta-analysis. The most important finding of this systematic review was that PET based on moderate to intense exercise in patients scheduled for lung surgery has beneficial effects on aerobic capacity, physical fitness and quality of life. Also PET may reduce postoperative complications and length of hospital stay.

CONCLUSION

PET may have beneficial effects on various physical fitness variables and postoperative complications in patients with lung cancer scheduled for surgery. Future research must focus on developing patient tailored exercise programs and investigate the influence of co-existing comorbidities on the outcome measures. Definitions of PET, including timing, (acceptable) duration, intensity and exercise training methods should be determined and compared.

Preoperative inspiratory muscle training to prevent postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing esophageal resection (PREPARE study): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Esophageal resection is associated with a high incidence of postoperative pneumonia. Respiratory complications account for almost half of the readmissions to the critical care unit. Postoperative complications can result in prolonged hospital stay and consequently increase healthcare costs. In cardiac surgery a preoperative inspiratory muscle training program has shown to prevent postoperative pneumonia and reduce length of hospital stay. While in some surgical centers inspiratory muscle training is already used in the preoperative phase in patients undergoing esophageal resection, the added value of this intervention on the reduction of pulmonary complications has not yet been investigated in large surgical populations other than cardiac surgery in a randomized and controlled study design.

METHODS/DESIGN

The effect of a preoperative inspiratory muscle training program on the incidence of postoperative pneumonia in patients undergoing esophageal resection will be studied in a single blind multicenter randomized controlled trial (the PREPARE study). In total 248 patients (age >18 years) undergoing esophageal resection for esophageal cancer will be included in this study. They are randomized to either usual care or usual care with an additional inspiratory muscle training intervention according to a high-intensity protocol which is performed with a tapered flow resistive inspiratory loading device. Patients have to complete 30 dynamic inspiratory efforts twice daily for 7 days a week until surgery with a minimum of 2 weeks. The starting training load will be aimed to be 60% of maximal inspiratory pressure and will be increased based on the rate of perceived exertion.The main study endpoint is the incidence of postoperative pneumonia. Secondary objectives are to evaluate the effect of preoperative inspiratory muscle training on length of hospital stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, incidence of other postoperative (pulmonary) complications, quality of life, and on postoperative respiratory muscle function and lung function.

DISCUSSION

The PREPARE study is the first multicenter randomized controlled trial to evaluate the hypothesis that preoperative inspiratory muscle training leads to decreased pulmonary complications in patients undergoing esophageal resection.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT01893008.