Thoracoabdominal rebalancing for better breathing after coronary bypass

Acute Effect of the Thoraco-abdominal Rebalance Method on Diaphragmatic Function, Respiratory Discomfort, Pulmonary Complications and Hemodynamic Variables in Postoperative Cardiac Surgery Patients: Randomized Clinical Trial

Not applicable Interventional Instituto de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul · NCT06814951

This study will try the thoracoabdominal rebalancing (TAR) method versus standard physiotherapy to see if it improves diaphragmatic movement and lung function in adults over 35 after coronary artery bypass surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment26 (estimated)
Ages35 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorInstituto de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul Academic / other
Locations1 site (Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul)
Trial IDNCT06814951 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized, single-blind trial enrolls adults older than 35 who are hemodynamically stable within 24 hours after coronary artery bypass grafting and who have a prescription for postoperative physiotherapy. Participants are randomized to receive either the thoracoabdominal rebalancing (TAR) method or conventional physiotherapy. Outcomes include diaphragmatic ultrasound and pulmonary spirometry, plus vital signs, respiratory distress scales, and postoperative pulmonary complications. The trial excludes patients intubated or on mechanical ventilation for more than 12 hours or requiring non-invasive ventilation, and is conducted at the Cardiology Institute of Rio Grande do Sul in Porto Alegre.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are hemodynamically stable adults over 35 who underwent CABG within the past 24 hours and have a prescribed postoperative physiotherapy plan.

Not a fit: Patients who were intubated or on mechanical ventilation for more than 12 hours, or who require non-invasive ventilation before or during the study period, are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, TAR could improve diaphragmatic movement and lung function after CABG, reducing short-term respiratory complications and speeding recovery.

How similar studies have performed: Diaphragmatic ultrasound and targeted physiotherapy have shown benefits in other surgical populations, but specific evidence for the TAR method after CABG is limited and relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Individuals over 35 years of age who undergo coronary artery bypass graft surgery with prescribed physiotherapy treatment will be included in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who are intubated and/or have remained on mechanical ventilation for more than twelve hours, or who require non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) before or during the collection period will be excluded.

Where this trial is running

Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Respiratory ComplicationsDiaphragmatic ExcursionPulmonary SpirometryPhysiotherapyUltrasonographyCardiology
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.