To Compare the Effects of the Buteyko Breathing Technique with Incentive Spirometry versus Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique with Incentive Spirometry on Anxiety and Depression in Hospitalized Post-CABG Patients

ABSTRACT Background - Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a common surgical procedure that restores myocardial blood flow by bypassing arterial blockages with grafts. Despite its clinical efficacy, patients often experience postoperative anxiety and depression, which can delay recovery. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation, including breathing techniques, has demonstrated significant benefits in managing psychological symptoms among hospitalized post-CABG patients. Methods - A total of 40 post-CABG patients were randomly assigned to two groups (n=20 each). Group A received Buteyko Breathing Techniques with Incentive Spirometry, while Group B received Progressive Muscle Relaxation with Incentive Spirometry for six days. Pain levels were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and psychological parameters were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Pre- and post-treatment scores were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests. Results - Group A showed a significant reduction in VAS scores (9.00 ± 0.89 to 1.55 ± 1.02), HADS-Anxiety (15.20 ± 3.23 to 1.75 ± 1.73), and HADS-Depression (15.50 ± 3.47 to 1.95 ± 1.56), with p < 0.001 across all variables. While both groups demonstrated improvements, Group A achieved significantly greater reductions across all parameters (p< 0.001). Conclusion - The study concludes that Buteyko Breathing with Incentive Spirometry is more effective than Progressive Muscle Relaxation in reducing pain, anxiety, and depression in hospitalized post-CABG patients. Incorporating targeted breathing interventions may enhance early cardiac rehabilitation outcomes. Keywords - Buteyko Breathing Techniques(BBT) , Incentive Spirometry(IS), Progressive Muscle Relaxation(PMR), CABG, HADS, VAS.