The Effect of Early Mobilization Programs on the Heart-focused Anxiety in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction:...

Early Mobilization (EM) after a myocardial infarction is an effective strategy to reduce complications associated with immobility. However, heart-focused anxiety (HFA) can hinder exercise capacity and negatively impact self-reported physical health. Consequently, we aimed to evaluate the effect of the current EM program on HFA in patients who have experienced an acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

In this randomized controlled trial, patients with AMI were selected using a convenience sampling method and were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 30) or the control group (n = 30). The measurement tools included a section on demographic information, a patient activity checklist, and the Cardiac Anxiety Questionnaire (CAQ). The intervention group underwent a six-stage EM program, while the control group received standard care. Data analysis was performed using SPSS Version 20, employing independent and paired t-tests.

The comparison of the average HFA score and its components before the intervention showed no significant differences (p > 0.05). After the trial, the HFA score showed a significant decrease (t = -3.065, p = 0.003) compared to the control group. Its components, including attention (t = -2.040, p = 0.046) and fear (t = -2.259, p = 0.028), also decreased significantly, while avoidance (t = -1.608, p = 0.114) did not show a significant change.

This EM program, initiated about 6 hours after admission to the CCU, decreased the CAQ score. Thus, this program is an affordable and nondrug approach recommended to prevent complications from immobility.