Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation along with Inspiratory Muscle Training to Improve Aerobic Capacity in Athletic Patient Following Atrial Septal Defect Closure: A Case Report

Abstract

An Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) is a type of congenital heart defect in which there is an abnormal opening between the two atria. Hereby, the authors present a case report that describes a 16 mm diameter ostium secundum ASD that was diagnosed in an 18-year-old female district badminton player who came to casualty with chief complaints of difficulty in breathing while playing and an episode of syncope. After undergoing ASD closure surgery, cardiovascular rehabilitation and PowerBreathe device-assisted inspiratory muscle training were initiated. The present study emphasises the value of interdisciplinary treatment, including physiotherapy, to enhance overall functional status and respiratory function in the management of congenital cardiac disorders. Significant improvements were observed in pain, exercise ability, anxiety, and weariness, according to the end measures. In addition to highlighting the importance of these treatments in the postoperative care of patients with congenital heart disorders, the debate sheds light on the advantages of inspiratory muscle training and its possible effects on cardiopulmonary function. The present comprehensive approach, which combines pharmacological, surgical, and physical therapy treatments, has shown to improve patient outcomes and create opportunities for future advancements in the field of congenital cardiac disease management.

Keywords

• midsternotomy
• physiotherapy
• powerbreathe