Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: Advances, Challenges, and Outcomes

Abstract

ABSTRACT Cardiac surgery, including coronary artery bypass grafting and valve procedures, is life-saving but associated with significant postoperative pulmonary complications, reduced functional capacity and prolonged recovery. Cardiopulmonary physiotherapy is an integral component of perioperative care aimed at preventing complications and restoring function. This review synthesises current evidence on cardiopulmonary physiotherapy in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, examining its advances, challenges and outcomes across the perioperative continuum. It considers preoperative interventions, including inspiratory muscle training and education, early postoperative care in intensive and ward settings, and structured cardiac rehabilitation. The literature indicates that cardiopulmonary physiotherapy, particularly preoperative inspiratory muscle training and early mobilisation, reduces postoperative pulmonary complications, shortens hospital stay and improves functional capacity. Advances include the evolution of sternal-precaution guidance and the integration of structured early mobilisation protocols, while challenges include haemodynamic instability, variability in practice and limited high-quality evidence for some interventions. This review concludes that cardiopulmonary physiotherapy is a valuable, evidence supported component of cardiac-surgical care, and highlights the need for standardisation and further research to optimise its delivery.

KEYWORDS: Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy, Cardiac Surgery, Inspiratory Muscle Training, Early Mobilisation, Pulmonary Complications, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Sternal Precautions, Functional Capacity