Intelligent Breathing Training Using a Digital Device for Postoperative Lung Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Surgical resection is the primary curative treatment for lung cancer, but postoperative pulmonary dysfunction, reduced exercise tolerance, and impaired quality of life are common challenges. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of intelligent breathing training in improving postoperative outcomes for lung cancer patients. Methods: A single-center randomized controlled trial was conducted among eligible lung cancer patients who underwent partial lung resection (July 2024–July 2025). Patients were randomized 1:1 to the intervention group (intelligent breathing training plus routine care) or the control group (routine care). A total of 138 patients were randomized to either the intervention group (n = 68) or the control group (n = 70). Outcomes were assessed at preoperation (T0), discharge (T1), 1 month (T2), and 3 months (T3) postoperatively. Results: At T1, T2, and T3 postoperatively, the intervention group demonstrated significantly superior pulmonary function compared to the control group (all p < 0.05), including higher forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio, and peak expiratory flow (PEF). Additionally, the intervention group achieved significantly longer 6-min walk distances, higher physical domain scores on the World Health Organization Quality of Life-100 (WHOQOL-100) scale, and lower scores on the Psycho-Social Adjustment to Illness Scale (PAIS-SR) at all postoperative time points (all p < 0.001). Conclusion: Intelligent breathing training effectively improves postoperative pulmonary function, exercise tolerance, and quality of life in lung cancer patients. It provides a feasible and superior alternative to traditional rehabilitation, supporting the integration of intelligent devices into clinical nursing practice.