Simple stretch may speed diaphragm recovery after heart surgery

NCT ID NCT05068219

Completed Disease control Sponsor: CMC Ambroise Paré Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study investigates whether adding a contract-relax physical therapy technique to standard respiratory care can improve diaphragm function in patients who develop diaphragmatic paresis after cardiac surgery. The trial enrolls adults who have undergone heart surgery with a heart-lung machine and show diaphragm weakness on ultrasound. Participants receive either usual physical therapy or usual therapy plus the contract-relax technique, and diaphragm movement is measured at day 3 and day 5 after surgery.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Contract-Relax physical therapy technique
What this could lead to: If effective, this technique could become a standard addition to respiratory therapy, helping patients recover diaphragm function faster after heart surgery.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study with only 27 participants. The technique may not provide significant benefit over usual care, and results may not apply to all patients.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

respiratory paralysis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

SURGERY (CARDIAC)

Contacts and locations

Locations

CMC Ambroise Paré

Neuilly-sur-Seine, Île-de-France Region, 92200, France

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