Evaluation of Inspiratory Muscle Strength Early After Coronary Artery Bypass

Inspiratory Muscle Strength as a Determinant of Functional Capacity Early After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of a 6-day postoperative in hospital cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program on inspiratory muscle strength and its potential association with improved functional capacity after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.

Eligible patients were randomized to a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program (Rehab; n = 10) or to usual care (Control; n = 10). The randomization was done by the Graphpad StatMate computerized program. Those patients assigned to Control were followed by their own physicians, received routine nursing assistance, were visited daily by the one of the investigators (CPM), but were not exposed to any specific respiratory or motor physical intervention. Those randomized to Rehab received the same medical and nursing care, but followed a structured physical therapy program twice a day.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Previous history of more than one vessel coronary artery disease
• Lifelong abstinence from tobacco
• Formal indication for CABG

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients older than 75 years of age
• Chronic renal failure (dialysis for more than 3 months)
• Unstable angina in the 48 hours prior to CABG
• Moderate or severe valve disease
• Complex cardiac arrhythmia's
• Stroke
• Inability to exercise the lower limbs
• Previous pulmonary disease (forced vital capacity [FVC] < 80% of predicted and/or forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1] < 70% of predicted)
• Previous history of asthma.