Physiotherapeutic guidance on functional independence and quality of life after coronary artery bypass grafting: Clinical trial

Abstract

Introduction

Patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft(CABG) are exposed to a decline in functional capacity, increasing the risk of pulmonary complications, worsening the quality of life. Often, this decline is associated with not understanding the activities that can be performed postoperatively. In this scenario, orienting patients can be an effective strategy.

Objective

To evaluate the impact of physiotherapy guidance on functional capacity, functionality, postoperative complications and quality of life.

Methods

This is a randomized controlled trial. Preoperatively and at hospital discharge patients had their functional capacity assessed by the 6-min walk test(6MWT), functionality by the functional independence measure(FIM), sit and stand test(SST), quality of life by the SF-36 and postoperative pulmonary complications. The patients were to either the Guidance Group(GO) or the Control Group(CG). During their hospital stay, patients in the orientation group received verbal guidance and later a booklet containing instructions to raise awareness about their conditions and how to prevent immobility by becoming active during their hospital stay.

Results

Were evaluated with 57 in each group. The GO had superiority in 6MWT95 %CI46(25.53–66.47) meters FIM12(9.30–14.70), SST-2(-4.31to-1.69) seconds when compared to the preoperative value at hospital discharge. The quality of life showed no difference between the groups. Regarding postoperative pulmonary complications, the guidance group had a lower rate of atelectasis 15(26 %) in GO group versus 26(46 %) in CG(p = 0.02).

Conclusion

Postoperative physiotherapeutic guidance was effective in reducing the loss of functional capacity, functionality and the atelectasis rate. On the other hand, quality of life and other complications had no difference.