RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Short-term exercise-based program associated to CPAP improves breathing pattern and functional status after coronary artery bypass graft surgery JF European Respiratory Journal JO Eur Respir J FD European Respiratory Society SP P3859 VO 42 IS Suppl 57 A1 Camila Bianca Falasco Pantoni A1 Luciana Di Thommazo-Luporini A1 Renata Gonçalves Mendes A1 Flávia Cristina Rossi Caruso A1 Daniel Mezzalira A1 Othon Amaral-Neto A1 Aparecida Maria Catai A1 Audrey Borghi-Silva YR 2013 UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/42/Suppl_57/P3859.abstract AB Background: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) results in severe alterations of lung function and reduced exercise tolerance. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has been used as an effective support to decrease the negative effects of CABG. Ventilatory assistance has shown powerful adjunct to physical exercise in chronic diseases. However, it is unknown if CPAP can positively impact CABG patients during exercise.Aim: To evaluate the CPAP effectiveness as adjunct of inpatient rehabilitation program (IRP) during the first walking exercise (prior rest and exercise) on breathing pattern (BP) and functional status after CABG surgery.Methods: 27 patients were randomized to IRP (n=14) or IRP+CPAP (n=13). IRP consisted of an early mobilization with progressive exercises with or without CPAP application (10-12 cmH2O). The outcomes measures included BP variables, assessed by respiratory inductive plethysmography (Lifeshirt system), time limit of exercise, and peripheral oxygen saturation.Results: CPG presented higher tolerance of walking exercise compared to IRP, higher values of tidal volume and ventilation, lower values of %RCi and % RCe during rest and walking exercise, and higher SpO2 values at the end of walking, compared to CG. The intragroup analysis for both groups revealed increases in BF and decrease in respiratory times during walking, compared to rest.Conclusion: CPAP can positively impact BP, ventilatory function and exercise tolerance when associated to IRP after CABG. This may constitute a feasible and effective approach to rehabilitation in these patients.Financial Support: FAPESP (2009/01842-0 and 2009/54194-5).