In this study, the effect of a pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) program on the respiratory function and quality of life of patients undergoing CABG surgery with an open-heart technique is examined. A randomized controlled experimental design was used. The study was conducted with two groups: the intervention group (n=25) and control group (n=25). The control group received standard care after CABG. In contrast, the experimental group, in addition to standard care, participated in a PR program created by the researchers. After CABG, the respiratory functions of both groups (clinical care day 4) and quality of life (6th week) evaluated

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients who were extubated in twenty-four hours,
• aged 18 or above,
• had undergone CABG surgery using the open-heart method and using a saphenous vein graft for CABG,
• who were conscious,
• without visual and hearing problems,
• who spoke Turkish,
• had not orthopedic, psychiatric and neurological problems,
• no co-morbid lung disease,
• who had not been re-operated on,
• had not postoperative cardiac dysfunction,
• had not developed postoperative atrial fibrillation,
• who were willing to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who were not extubated in twenty-four hours,
• who were under 18 years of age,
• had not undergone CABG surgery using the open-heart method and using a saphenous vein graft for CABG,
• who were not conscious,
• were visual and hearing problems,
• who don't spoke Turkish,
• had orthopedic, psychiatric and neurological problems,
• co-morbid lung disease,
• who had been re-operated on,
• had postoperative cardiac dysfunction,
• had developed postoperative atrial fibrillation,
• who were not willing to participate in the study.