Effects of integrated inspiratory-expiratory muscle training within hybrid cardiac rehabilitation following cardiac surgery: A randomized controlled study.
Respir MedJul 1, 2026 (epub)
Busra Ulker Eksi, Cigdem Emirza Cilbir, Hikmet Ucgun et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the impact of adding respiratory muscle training (RMT) to hybrid cardiac rehabilitation (HCR) in 20 patients post-cardiac surgery. While both groups showed improvements in functional capacity, with the HCR group increasing their 6-min walk distance by 49.5 m and the HCR + RMT group by 55.5 m, no significant differences were observed between the groups.
Key findings
- 6-min walk distance increased by 49.5 m in the HCR group and 55.5 m in the HCR + RMT group.
- Duke Activity Status Index scores improved by 5.25 points in HCR and 4.95 points in HCR + RMT.
- Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire scores decreased by 7-9 points in both groups.
Why it matters
The study highlights the importance of respiratory muscle training in cardiac rehabilitation, suggesting it is safe and well-accepted. While it did not show significant additional benefits, it may enhance overall rehabilitation efforts.