Coughing exercises versus incentive spirometry for breathing recovery after pediatric heart surgery
Effect of Coughing Exercises Versus Incentive Spirometry on Respiratory Outcomes and Postoperative Recovery Among Children Undergoing Cardiac Surgery.
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 99 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Baghdad Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Baghdad, Baghdad Governorate and 3 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07405333 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Baghdad, Baghdad Governorate and 3 other locations
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.