. The purpose of the study was to analyze the results of the respiratory physical therapy effectiveness in reducing the frequency of pulmonary complications, restoring the function of external respiration and reducing the duration of staying at hospital after cardiac surgery. Material and methods. This work is the result of analysis and comparison of research results dedicated to studying changes in the frequency of postoperative pulmonary complications, the length of staying at hospital, and the characteristics of the respiratory system recovery under the influence of various respiratory physical therapy programs. Results and discussion. In a number of studies, a beneficial effect was recorded from the inclusion of respiratory modalities of physical therapy in pre- and postoperative programs, namely, on the indicators of the dynamics of the respiratory muscles strength, on the indicators of spirography, on a decrease in the incidence of pneumonia and a decrease in the time spent in hospital. On the other hand, there are studies that indicate the lack of influence of inspiratory muscle training on the duration of hospitalization; of stimulating spirometry to improve arterial blood gas parameters, the duration of hospitalization, as well as the prevalence of pulmonary complications. There are results that do not confirm the beneficial effect on the restoration of the respiratory system, the reduction of complications from the addition of exercises with positive expiratory pressure to the standard program. The beneficial effects of traditional deep breathing exercises are not supported by a number of authors. Comparisons of approaches to respiratory physical therapy quite often state the absence of difference between them. Considering the conflicting results of the named works, additional studies are necessary to assess the effectiveness of the respiratory modalities of physical therapy for cardiac surgery patients. Conclusion. Considering the presence of a wide range of approaches in respiratory physical therapy of cardiosurgical patients and the lack or insufficiency of evidence to recognize a particular one as the best, we can state that there is a need for further studies to address this general issue, as well as to rationalize local physical therapy protocols, since the routine use of breathing simulators or breathing exercises that do not affect clinically relevant criteria are unacceptable. Both physical therapists and their patients must be sure of the appropriateness of their work. The basis for this should be the results of scientific research, and not their own experience or beliefs.

Keywords: cardiac surgery, pulmonary rehabilitation, therapeutic exercises, respiratory system, sternotomy

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