Effects of Myofascial Release on Heart Patients After Sternotomy
Official title: Effects of Myofascial Release on Cardiac Patients After Median Sternotomy
Run by Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital. · NCT07649330 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether myofascial release can improve breathing and chest mobility after heart surgery in adults with certain heart diseases.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital. Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kaohsiung City) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 25, 2026 |
| Main results expected | May 2027 |
| Study ends | September 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 16, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07649330 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18 and older who have coronary artery disease, valvular disease, or aortic disease and are undergoing median sternotomy.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with pacemakers, ventricular assist devices, certain central nervous system disorders, COPD, prior thoracic surgery, or prolonged ICU stays may see limited or no benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults undergoing median sternotomy for coronary artery disease, valve disease, or aortic disease are randomized to receive myofascial release plus routine physical therapy or routine physical therapy alone after transfer from ICU. The intervention includes seven sessions of myofascial release with outcome assessments at baseline and after the sessions, measuring lung pressures, pulmonary function, chest mobility, muscle activity, and pain. Primary objectives focus on functional respiratory and musculoskeletal outcomes post-surgery. The study is led by Siou-Pin Huang at Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital in Taiwan, with assessments planned within a 5-day post-ICU to general ward window and a 7-session intervention course.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience improved breathing efficiency, better chest mobility, and reduced pain after heart surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research in related areas has shown potential benefits of myofascial approaches for respiratory and mobility outcomes after cardiac procedures, though this specific post-sternotomy protocol is novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 years * Able to communicate verbally and follow instructions * Diagnosed by a physician with coronary artery disease, valvular disease, or aortic disease * Undergoing median sternotomy * Able to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of a cardiac pacemaker * Presence of a ventricular assist device (VAD) * Existing central nervous system disorders (e.g., hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury) * Cognitive impairment or inability to understand/follow instructions * Diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) * History of previous thoracic surgery * ICU stay longer than 14 days
Where it's running
-
Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital
Kaohsiung City, Taiwan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Siou Pin Huang, PT (Physical Therapist)
- Email: qaz9650921@gmail.com
- Phone: +886 988 366 335
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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.