Effect of Early Ambulation Program on Selected Outcomes among Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

Background: Early mobilization appears to be important to prevent postoperative complications, improve
functional capacity, and reduce the length of hospital stay in patients after cardiac surgery. Aim of the
study: the aim of the current study is to evaluate the effect of early ambulation program on selected
outcomes among patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Research Design: A quasi-experimental study
with one group pre-test and post-test design was utilized in this study. Setting: The study was
carried out at the cardiothoracic intensive care unit at a private hospital, in Egypt. Sample: A purposive
sample consisting of 30 patients who underwent cardiac surgery was included in the current study. Tools
of data collection: Two tools were used to collect data pertinent to the current study: Tool I -Cardiac
surgery patients’ ambulation assessment sheet, Tool II -Borg scale (Rate of Perceived Dyspnea. Results:
43.3% of them were overweight, with a mean ejection fraction of 54.74± 13.37. Post- coronary artery
bypass grafting (GABG) with 3 grafts, post-CABG with 4 grafts, and aortic valve replacement were the
most frequent medical diagnoses among the studied sample in percentages of 30%, 30%, and 16.7%
respectively, there is a significant negative correlation between the Borg scale and distance walked (r=-
.483, P= 0.007) at the first assessment time, there is a significant negative correlation between the Borg
scale and oxygen saturation (r=-.477, P= 0.008) at the second assessment time. However, there is no
significant negative correlation between distance walked, Borg scale, and HR. There is a significant
negative correlation between the Borg scale and distance walked (r=-.600, P= .000) at the third
assessment time. A highly significant statistical difference between the means of Borg scale, distance
walked, and oxygen saturation in the different assessment times. Conclusion: The early ambulation
program improved functional capacity and hemodynamic parameters among patients undergoing cardiac
surgery, the current study findings supported the research hypotheses. Recommendations: Based upon
findings of the current study, the following are recommended: Used the early ambulation program with
the 6-minute walk test (6-MWT) should be held periodically for such group of patients to improve their
outcomes. Replication of the same study on larger probability samples at different geographical locations
for data generalization.