[Rehabilitation after aorto-coronary bypass and return to work]

In Quebec, deceptively few patients who have successfully undergone coronary artery bypass have been returning to work. Those aged 55 to 64 years, blue collar workers or those who were off work for 13 weeks or more were likely not to return to work after surgery. From Jan. 1, 1983, all patients aged 64 years and younger, who successfully underwent coronary artery bypass grafting were invited to attend a 6-week rehabilitation program, starting 6 weeks after operation. The aim of the program was to improve the rate of return to work through a low-intensity physical activity course (60% to 70% maximal working capacity and calisthenics ). Up to Mar. 31, 1984, 68 patients had participated in the program. The proportion of patients returning to work was significantly (p less than 0.01) improved and the trend was observed in all age groups, and for all types of employment and length of time off work before operation.