Herdy AH, Marcchi PL, Vila A, Tavares C, Collaço J, Niebauer J, Ribeiro JP.
This study of 56 patients awaiting coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery while still in hospital makes interesting reading. The patients were randomised into two groups. Rehab group received cardiopulmonary rehabilitation which lasted at least 5 days preoperatively and consisted of phase I cardiac rehabilitation associated with respiratory physical therapy, while the other group (usual care) received the standard care usually available to these patients.
By discharge (post CABG), Rehab patients presented a shorter time to endotracheal extubation, a reduction in the incidence of pleural effusion, atelectasis, pneumonia and atrial fibrillation or flutter. Length of in-hospital stay after surgery was also significantly reduced in the Rehab group.
American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2008; 87: 714 – 9