ACBT With Incentive Spirometry Versus High-Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation After Thoracic Surgery

NCT07619716 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: REC/RCR & AHS/25/0323
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 42
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

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.

Conditions

Thoracic Surgery

Keywords

Thoracic Surgery Postoperative,ACBT

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV₁)

  Assessment of pulmonary function using spirometry parameters including Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV₁) to evaluate respiratory recovery after thoracic surgery.

  Baseline (preoperative), Postoperative Day 3, and Day 5

• Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)

  Assessment of pulmonary function using spirometry parameters including Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) to evaluate respiratory recovery after thoracic surgery.

  Baseline (preoperative), Postoperative Day 3, and Day 5

• Cough Effectiveness

  Evaluation of cough effectiveness using the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ), measuring physical, psychological, and social impact of cough.

  Baseline, Postoperative Day 3, and Day 5

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Sputum Clearance

  Postoperative Day 3 and Day 5

Study Arms (2)

ACBT with Incentive Spirometry

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants in this group will receive Active Cycle of Breathing Techniques (ACBT) combined with Incentive Spirometry along with standard postoperative care. The ACBT protocol will include breathing control, thoracic expansion exercises, and forced expiratory techniques (huffing), performed multiple times daily. Incentive spirometry will be used to promote deep breathing and lung expansion. The intervention will begin in the early postoperative period and continue for 5 days.

Procedure: Active Cycle of Breathing Techniques with Incentive Spirometry

High-Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO)

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group will receive High-Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation therapy using an oscillatory vest device along with standard postoperative care. The device delivers external chest wall oscillations to mobilize pulmonary secretions. The intervention will start on postoperative day 3 and will be administered twice daily for 5 days.

Device: High-Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation

Interventions

Active Cycle of Breathing Techniques with Incentive Spirometry PROCEDURE

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.

Also known as: ACBT + IS

ACBT with Incentive Spirometry

High-Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation DEVICE

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.

Also known as: HFCWO, Oscillatory Vest Therapy

High-Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO)

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 40 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• 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

You may not qualify if:

• 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

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Riphah International University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Gulab Devi Hospital or General Hospital Lahore.

Lahore, Punjab Province, 40100, Pakistan

Location

MeSH Terms

Interventions

Chest Wall Oscillation

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Respiratory Therapy; Therapeutics

Study Officials

• Arjumand Bano, MSPT

  Riphah International University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Muhammad Iqbal Tariq, Phd*

CONTACT

03338236752; iqbal.tariq@riphah.edu.pk

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: Outcome assessors will be blinded to group allocation to reduce assessment bias, while participants and care providers will not be blinded due to the nature of the interventions.
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Model Details: Participants will be randomly assigned into two parallel groups. Group A will receive Active Cycle of Breathing Techniques combined with Incentive Spirometry, while Group B will receive High-Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation. Both groups will receive standard postoperative care and outcomes will be compared between groups.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 2, 2026
• First Posted: June 2, 2026
• Study Start: June 1, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): August 28, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): August 29, 2026
• Last Updated: June 2, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-06

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PA (1)