Efficacy of TENS and Respiratory Physiotherapy to Improve Functional Capacity in Post CABG Patients

Background: Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is the most common surgery performed in the world for Coronary Artery Disease. It is a life-saving procedure which is frequently related to significant postoperative pain. Objectives: The purpose of the study is to analyze the effect of TENS and respiratory physiotherapy in functional improvement on post CABG patients. Need for the study: Pain is a common symptom felt during postoperative period at the incision site, which might interfere with pulmonary function and healing. A number of lung defence mechanisms may become impaired, or overtly ineffective, due to intense chest pain. Although narcotics and opiates may be effective for pain control, they are associated with side effects, including respiratory depression. Therefore, there is a long-standing interest in the development of non-chemical strategies for effective pain control Methodology: Total number of 30 patients was selected for the study. Out of 30 patients 15 were assigned into two groups, Group A received conventional chest physiotherapy along with TENS and Group B received conventional chest physiotherapy alone. This study was carried out for a period of 12 weeks. Daily 40 minutes for 10 days and the values of the parameters selected were assessed on the 2nd post-operative day and 10thpostoperative day. Conclusion: The outcome of the data collection reveals that the application of TENS plays a vital role in the reduction of pain in patients with CABG. The recordable change shows in visual analogue scale, six-minute walk test and peak expiratory flow rate. Keywords: TENS; CABG; Pain; Functional improvement; Respiratory physiotherapy Background The efficacy of physiotherapy techniques used for patients following coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) is well documented. It is a life-saving procedure which is frequently related to significant postoperative pain. Many lung defense mechanisms may become impaired, or overtly ineffective, due to intense chest pain. Although narcotics and opiates may be effective for pain control, they are associated with side effects, including respiratory depression. Therefore, there is a longstanding interest in the development of non-chemical strategies

Author(s): Monisha R* and Aparna Krishnakumar

Abstract | Full-Text | PDF

Share This Article