Sujata Japannavar,
V.G. Veeresh,
- Associate Professor, Department of Nursing, Government College of Nurisng KIMS, Karnataka, India
- Tutor, Department of Nursing, Government College of Nurisng KIMS, Karnataka, India
Abstract
Postoperative recovery following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is often prolonged due to pain, reduced mobility, respiratory complications, and psychological distress. Early mobilization has been increasingly recommended as a supportive intervention to enhance recovery outcomes. The present study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of early exercise on post-surgical recovery among patients who underwent cardiac bypass surgery at a selected cardiac hospital. A quantitative, quasi-experimental design was adopted for the study. A total of 60 post-CABG patients were selected using purposive sampling and were divided into two groups: the intervention group, which received a structured early exercise program along with routine care, and the control group, which received only routine postoperative care. The early exercise protocol included breathing exercises, limb movements, and gradual ambulation initiated within the first 24–48 hours after surgery, based on patient stability. Recovery outcomes were assessed using a structured recovery assessment scale focusing on physical, respiratory, and functional parameters. The findings revealed that patients in the intervention group demonstrated significantly better improvement in mobility, reduced incidence of postoperative complications such as atelectasis, and improved self-care ability compared to the control group. Additionally, a noticeable reduction in anxiety levels and hospital stay duration was observed among patients who participated in early exercise. The results indicate that early exercise plays a crucial role in accelerating recovery and improving overall postoperative well-being in CABG patients. The study concludes that incorporating structured early exercise programs into routine post-cardiac surgery care can enhance recovery outcomes and should be encouraged in clinical practice.
Keywords: Early exercise, coronary artery bypass grafting, postoperative recovery, cardiac rehabilitation, mobility improvement
[This article belongs to International Journal of Emergency and Trauma Nursing and Practices ]
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| Volume | 04 | |
| Issue | 01 | |
| Received | 06/05/2026 | |
| Accepted | 12/05/2026 | |
| Published | 26/05/2026 | |
| Publication Time | 20 Days |