Abstract
Background: Post-operative pulmonary dysfunction is common after open heart surgery. This causes impairment in the routine activities of an individual. Exercise rehabilitation may benefit in open heart surgery patients, improving their exercise capacity.

Objective: The objective of the study was to assess and compare functional capacity in open heart surgery patients following conventional physiotherapy (CP), and CP plus inspiratory muscle training (IMT).

Materials and Methods: In this prospective randomized control study, participants were taken from cardiac hospital using balance block computer generated randomization method. There were 102 participants, 52 in Group-A and 50 in Group-B. Group-A has been given CP and the Group-B has been given conventional plus IMT exercise by Pressure Threshold IMT instrument. For the functional capacity measurement, 6 minute walk test (MWT) and incentive spirometry (IS) was used at pre-operative, “at discharge” and at “1st follow-up” of patients.

Results: Addition of IMT exercises to the conventional physiotherapy did not show statistically significant difference in functional capacity after open heart surgery. Though the component of functional capacity- 6MWT showed an incremental change which was statistically significant within the groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: No any significant difference was found in functional capacity in CP and conventional plus inspiratory muscle trainer group in “pre-operative,” “at discharge” and “1st follow-up,” in open heart surgery patient.

Key words: Open Heart Surgery; Functional Capacity; 6-Minute Walk Test; Incentive Spirometer; Physiotherapy; Maximum Inspiratory Pressure; Inspiratory Muscle Training