Coughing exercises versus incentive spirometry for breathing recovery after pediatric heart surgery
Official title: Effect of Coughing Exercises Versus Incentive Spirometry on Respiratory Outcomes and Postoperative Recovery Among Children Undergoing Cardiac Surgery.
Run by University of Baghdad · NCT07405333 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will test whether coughing exercises or incentive spirometry help children aged 6–18 recover their breathing and lung function after heart surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 6 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 99 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Baghdad Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Baghdad, Baghdad Governorate and 3 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 7, 2025 |
| Main results expected | August 7, 2026 |
| Study ends | October 7, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | May 12, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07405333 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Children aged 6 to 18 years scheduled for elective cardiac surgery who are extubated within 24 hours and judged clinically and hemodynamically stable are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Children with moderate-to-severe chronic lung disease requiring baseline oxygen, neuromuscular disorders impairing cough or inspiration, those needing prolonged ventilation (>72 hours), tracheostomy, or emergency surgery are unlikely to benefit from these interventions.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized interventional study assigns eligible children after elective cardiac surgery to one of three groups: coughing exercises, incentive spirometry, or standard postoperative care. Children in the two intervention groups perform the assigned breathing exercises every three hours for the first three postoperative days while all patients receive daily monitoring of vitals, oxygen saturation, and lung function. Primary outcomes include a standardized postoperative respiratory score, and secondary outcomes include recovery quality measures, incidence of pulmonary complications, and length of pediatric ICU stay. The trial focuses on children extubated within 24 hours who are hemodynamically stable and follows them through early postoperative recovery milestones.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could identify a simple, low-cost breathing method that reduces lung complications and speeds recovery after pediatric cardiac surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Breathing exercises and incentive spirometry have been tested in adults and some pediatric settings with mixed results, and rigorous data specifically in post–pediatric cardiac surgery patients remain limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 Criteria: * 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.
Where it's running
-
Ibn Al-Bitar Specialized Hospital for Cardiac Surgery
Baghdad, Baghdad Governorate, Iraq Recruiting -
Ibn Al-Nafis Hospital for Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery
Baghdad, Baghdad Governorate, Iraq Recruiting -
Iraqi Center for Heart Diseases
Baghdad, Baghdad Governorate, Iraq Recruiting -
Imam Al-Hassan Al-Mujtaba Hospital
Karbala, Karbala Governorate, Iraq Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: rusul khalid khadim, MSc
- Email: rusal.khaled1606a@conursing.uobaghdad.edu.iq
- Phone: 96407702612183
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.