ACBT With Incentive Spirometry Versus High-Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation After Thoracic Surgery
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Active Cycle of Breathing Techniques with Incentive Spirometry, High-Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Thoracic Surgery. Basic parameters: 18 years — 40 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Pakistan
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
Effects of Active Cycle of Breathing Techniques With Incentive Spirometry Versus High-Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation on Cough, Sputum, Pulmonary Function Test and Patient Satisfaction After Thoracic Surgery
Overview
This randomized clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of Active Cycle of Breathing Techniques combined with Incentive Spirometry (ACBT + IS) versus High-Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO) in patients undergoing thoracic surgery. Postoperative pulmonary complications such as reduced lung function, ineffective cough, and sputum retention are common after thoracic procedures and can delay recovery. A total of 42 participants will be randomly allocated into two groups: one receiving ACBT with Incentive Spirometry and the other receiving HFCWO, along with standard postoperative care. Outcomes including cough effectiveness, sputum clearance, pulmonary function tests, and patient satisfaction will be assessed at baseline, postoperative day 3, and day 5. The study aims to determine the more effective airway clearance technique to improve respiratory outcomes and enhance patient recovery following thoracic surgery.
Detailed description
Postoperative pulmonary complications are common after thoracic surgery due to reduced lung function and impaired secretion clearance. Effective respiratory physiotherapy is essential to improve recovery and prevent complications such as atelectasis and pneumonia.
This randomized clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of Active Cycle of Breathing Techniques combined with Incentive Spirometry (ACBT + IS) and High-Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO) in improving respiratory outcomes. A total of 42 patients undergoing elective thoracic surgery will be randomly assigned to either ACBT + IS or HFCWO, along with standard postoperative care.
Outcomes including cough effectiveness, sputum clearance, pulmonary function (FEV₁, FVC), and patient satisfaction will be assessed at baseline, postoperative day 3, and day 5. The study seeks to identify the more effective airway clearance technique to enhance recovery and reduce postoperative complications.
Interventions
- Procedure Active Cycle of Breathing Techniques with Incentive Spirometry
A structured breathing intervention combining Active Cycle of Breathing Techniques (breathing control, thoracic expansion exercises, and forced expiratory technique) with incentive spirometry to promote lung expansion and secretion clearance. Performed multiple times daily during the early postoperative period. - Device High-Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation
A mechanical airway clearance technique delivered using an oscillatory vest that produces high-frequency chest wall vibrations to help mobilize and remove pulmonary secretions. The intervention is administered twice daily beginning on postoperative day 3.
Primary outcome measures
- Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV₁) [Time frame: Baseline (preoperative), Postoperative Day 3, and Day 5]
- Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) [Time frame: Baseline (preoperative), Postoperative Day 3, and Day 5]
- Cough Effectiveness [Time frame: Baseline, Postoperative Day 3, and Day 5]
Secondary outcome measures (1)
- Sputum Clearance [Time frame: Postoperative Day 3 and Day 5]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Adults aged 18-40 years
- Patients scheduled for elective thoracic surgery (e.g., lobectomy, pneumonectomy, thoracotomy, or VATS)
- Hemodynamically stable in the postoperative period
- Cognitively and physically able to perform breathing exercises and use devices (incentive spirometer/HFCWO vest)
- Willing to participate and provide informed consent
Exclusion criteria
- Pre-existing severe pulmonary diseases (e.g., COPD, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis)
- Contraindications to HFCWO (e.g., recent rib fractures, chest wall trauma, unstable cardiovascular status)
- Cognitive, neuromuscular, or musculoskeletal impairments limiting participation in interventions
- Prolonged mechanical ventilation (>24 hours postoperatively)
- Active pulmonary infection or hemoptysis within one week after surgery
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Model
- Parallel assignment
- Masking
- Single blind
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
Study locations
Pakistan · 1 center
- Gulab Devi Hospital or General Hospital Lahore. — Lahore
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07619716 · REC/RCR & AHS/25/0323