Upper Extremity Exercises With and Without Deep Breathing After Cardiac Surgery

This randomized 2×2 crossover trial aims to evaluate the effects of upper extremity range of motion exercises performed with and without deep breathing on respiratory parameters in patients after open cardiac surgery. The study will include adult patients who underwent elective open cardiac surgery and are receiving postoperative care in the cardiovascular surgery intensive care unit. Each participant will perform both exercise protocols: upper extremity range of motion exercises alone and upper extremity range of motion exercises combined with deep breathing. The order of the two interventions will be randomized. Respiratory and clinical outcomes, including oxygen saturation, tidal volume, respiratory rate, heart rate, pain, perceived exertion, and dyspnea, will be assessed before and after each intervention.

Inclusion Criteria: * underwent elective open-heart surgery, * stayed in the cardiovascular ICU for at least 2 nights post-operatively, * had FiO2 below 40% (Spo2 will be kept above 92), * were conscious, * could speak Turkish, * were willing to participate in the study. Exclusion Criteria: underwent another thoracic surgery or repeat surgery simultaneously, * had any limb loss, * underwent prolonged immobilization and intubation, * developed serious complications such as infection or respiratory failure after surgery, * had problems such as paresthesia, plegia, etc. after stroke, or had diseases such as Parkinson's that affect the level of relaxa