Prehabilitation program for elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery patients: a pilot randomized controlled...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Prehabilitation Medicine
• Surgical Patient Optimization

Background:

• Patients awaiting elective coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery often have compromised health status.
• Prehabilitation programs aim to improve patient fitness before surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of a cardiac prehabilitation (Prehab) program.
• To evaluate the impact of Prehab on functional capacity in patients awaiting elective CABG.

Main Methods:

• A two-group parallel randomized controlled trial involving 17 patients.
• Prehab group received exercise and education; control group received standard care.
• Primary outcome: 6-minute walk test; Secondary outcomes: gait speed, cardiac rehabilitation attendance.

Main Results:

• Prehab significantly improved walking distance and gait speed preoperatively and postoperatively.
• 100% of Prehab participants attended cardiac rehabilitation vs. 43% in the standard care group.
• No adverse cardiac events were reported in the Prehab group.

Conclusions:

• Cardiac prehabilitation is feasible for patients awaiting elective CABG.
• Prehab shows potential to enhance functional recovery and engagement with post-surgical care.
• A larger trial is warranted to confirm safety and efficacy.