Improvement in Physical Function After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery Using a Novel Rehabilitation Intervention: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL. Issue 6 (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rengo, Jason L.; Savage, Patrick D.; Hirashima, Fuyuki; Leavitt, Bruce J.; Ades, Philip A.; Toth, Michael J.
• Is Part Of: Journal of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and prevention. Volume 41:Issue 6(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: disability -- rehabilitation -- 6-minute walk test; Cardiopulmonary system -- Diseases -- Patients -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Cardiopulmonary system -- Diseases -- Prevention -- Periodicals; 616.103
• DOI: 10.1097/HCR.0000000000000576
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1932-7501

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: Cardiorespiratory and skeletal muscle deconditioning occurs following coronary artery bypass graft surgery and hospitalization. Outpatient, phase 2 cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is designed to remediate this deconditioning but typically does not begin until several weeks following hospital discharge. Although an exercise program between discharge and the start of CR could improve functional recovery, implementation of exercise at this time is complicated by postoperative physical limitations and restrictions. Our objective was to assess the utility of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) as an adjunct to current rehabilitative care following postsurgical discharge and prior to entry into CR on indices of physical function in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Methods: Patients were randomized to 4 wk of bilateral, NMES (5 d/wk) to their quadriceps muscles or no intervention (control). Physical function testing was performed at hospital discharge and 4 wk post-discharge using the Short Physical Performance Battery and the 6-min walk tests. Data from 37 patients (19 control/18 NMES) who completed the trial were analyzed. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03892460). Results: Physical function measures improved from discharge to 4 wk post-surgery across our entire cohort ( P < .001). Patients randomized to NMES, however, showed greater improvements in 6-min walk test distance and power output compared with controls ( P < .01). Conclusion: Our results provide evidence supporting the utility of NMES to accelerate recovery of physical function after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Abstract : Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text.This study evaluated whether neuromuscular electrical stimulation can improve functional recovery following hospital discharge in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery prior to cardiac rehabilitation. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation improved functional recovery, as measured by 6-min walk test performance.