The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) on variables clinics, cardiorespiratory and physical functional in patients undergoing cardiac surgery at the University Hospital of Santa Maria.

This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effects of Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) in patients undergoing heart surgery of valve replacement and coronary artery bypass graft on the variables clinics, cardiorespiratory and physical functional.These individuals were randomized to compose the control group (GC) and the BiPAP group (GBiPAP). The routine physical therapy was performed in both groups and in the BiPAPG two daily sessions of 20 minutes were applied with positive expiratory pressure of 10cmH2O and inspiratory of 15cmH2O. To verify the effect of this intervention, before and after the protocol patients underwent the following evaluations: the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), the heart rate variability, the manovacuometry, and cirtometry in the axillary line, umbilical line and the xiphoid appendix.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Hospitalized patients in preoperative for coronary artery bypass or valve replacement.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Inability to understand or sign a free and informed consent form
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Cerebrovascular disease
• Musculoskeletal disease
• Chronic infectious disease
• Unstable angina
• Treatment with steroids, hormones or chemotherapy for cancer
• Prolonged mechanical ventilation
• Unable of maintaining airway patency
• Severe hemodynamic instability
• Abdominal distension or vomiting.