Early Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercise for Sternotomy Patients.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Early initiation of cardiac rehabilitation exercise training after sternotomy: a randomised controlled trial and economic evaluation.
IRAS ID
211466
Contact name
Stuart Ennis
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
R&D, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS trust
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) and heart Valve Replacement (VR) operations are common treatments for heart disease that involve cutting through the central chest bone to expose the heart. Pain and loss of strength following surgery can persist for up to 12 months leaving many patients unable to perform every day activities or return to work.
Cardiac rehabilitation exercise (CR) improves recovery, and reduces complications that might lead to more time in hospital. However, there is no evidence-based guideline for the best time to start CR. Current expert opinion suggests patients wait 42 days, because of fears that exercise may slow healing or cause problems to the repaired chest. However, these concerns have not been proven and may actually slow healing, resulting in avoidable muscle wasting, and longer recovery time.
Recent trials, have confirmed the safety of starting CR at 2 weeks after surgery.
The proposed trial will compare health improvements after CR between participants randomly allocated to one of two groups: an early CR group starting exercise after 2 weeks, and a usual care group starting at 6 weeks. It will also collect information on the financial cost of earlier CR to both the health service and the patients.Patient and Public involvement(PPI) has shaped our study design considerably. Earlier recovery and return to work /normal activity after surgery were named as the main priorities for CABG and VR patients. Feedback also meant that measures important to patients were chosen such as walking distance, strength and quality of life. Our PPI co-applicant will be instrumental throughout the trial developing patient information, contributing to steering groups and publicising the findings of the study.
This study aims to shape the national cardiac rehabilitation guidelines for all CR professionals, and to make sure patients get the best care after surgery.REC name
West Midlands - Edgbaston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/WM/0057
Date of REC Opinion
24 Feb 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion