Ambulation & Physiotherapy

Created: October 01, 2023

Last Updated: November 18, 2023

Contributor(s):

Rachel Born PT DPT

Editor(s):

Cheryl Crisafi MSN RN CNL

Amanda Rea DNP CRNP AGACNP-BC CCRN CMC CSC E-AEC

Gina McConnell RN BSN CCRN

Shannon Crotwell RN BSN CCRN

Alexander Gregory MD FRCPC

Summary

Ambulation and physiotherapy after cardiac surgery is vital for preventing complications, maintaining cardiovascular and respiratory function, promoting overall recovery, and enhancing a patient's physical and emotional well-being. Healthcare providers typically include ambulation and sternal protection as an integral part of the post-operative care plan for cardiac surgery patients to optimize their recovery process.

Ambulation and physiotherapy, including sternal protection, promotes return to normal physical function following cardiac surgery. This has several crucial benefits, including:

Prevention of Complications:

  • Prolonged bed rest after surgery can lead to various complications, including blood clots (deep vein thrombosis), pneumonia, and atelectasis (lung collapse). Ambulation helps prevent these complications by promoting blood circulation and lung expansion.

Maintaining Cardiovascular Function:

  • Cardiac surgery patients may experience a decrease in cardiac output and overall cardiovascular function due to the surgical procedure and anesthesia. Ambulation helps stimulate the heart and circulatory system, preventing deconditioning and supporting cardiovascular recovery.

Improving Respiratory Function:

  • After cardiac surgery, lung function can be compromised, leading to shallow breathing and increased risk of pneumonia. Ambulation encourages deep breathing and coughing, which are essential for clearing secretions and maintaining respiratory health.

Enhancing Muscle Strength:

  • Prolonged bed rest can result in muscle weakness and atrophy. Ambulation and light physical activity help preserve and rebuild muscle strength, which is essential for daily functioning and recovery.

Faster Recovery:

  • Engaging in physical activity can accelerate the overall recovery process. It can help patients regain their independence and return to their normal activities more quickly.

Improved Mood and Mental Health:

  • Ambulation can have positive effects on a patient's mood and mental well-being. Physical activity releases endorphins, which can reduce anxiety and depression often associated with surgery and hospitalization.

Enhanced Quality of Life:

  • The ability to move and be active is closely tied to a patient's sense of autonomy and quality of life. Ambulation allows patients to regain a sense of control and self-sufficiency during their recovery.

Reduction in Length of Hospital Stay:

  • Faster post-operative recovery, as facilitated by ambulation, can lead to a shorter hospital stay. This not only reduces healthcare costs but also minimizes the risk of hospital-acquired infections and complications.

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This summary was written with assistance from artificial intelligence. All text was reviewed, edited, and supplemented by the listed editor(s). Reference: OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (Sept 25 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat

ERAS Cardiac VTC Disclaimer:

The VTC, and all included content, is intended to inform ERAS Cardiac Members in a multitude of topics related to enhanced recovery. The information included has been provided by other enhanced recovery experts and should be used for educational purposes only. It is not intended to describe, recommend, or suggest any specific medical practice or intervention, nor should it be considered as formal medical advice or consultation. The ERAS Cardiac Society cannot guarantee that the information on the VTC is accurate or complete in every respect. Therefore, ERAS Cardiac Society is not responsible for any errors or omissions in the content, or medical results that occur with the application of the information obtained while using the VTC. All healthcare professionals should continue to use sound clinical judgment and prescribe therapies based on the best medical knowledge at their disposal.

All the material presented on the VTC is the intellectual property of the ERAS Cardiac Society, its contributors, and its sponsors. Unless explicitly stated, the information, images, audio, video, and other content may not be reproduced (in whole or in part) in any way without the written permission of the ERAS Cardiac Society.

If you have any questions or comments about the ERAS Cardiac VTC, please email: VTC@erascardiac.org

Educational Materials

Early Mobility and "Keep Your Move in the Tube" Following Cardiac Surgery.
In this video Rachel Born PT DPT reviews mobilization following cardiac surgery, including optimizing sternal protection.

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