Impact of an early, graduated mobilization program on recovery and postoperative outcomes after cardiac revascularization with extracorporeal circulation - Report - MDSpire

Impact of an early, graduated mobilization program on recovery and postoperative outcomes after cardiac revascularization with extracorporeal circulation

  • By

  • Jiaqi Liu

  • Mi Jiang

  • Xuewen Zhao

  • Yingdan Liang

  • Ying Liu

  • Ruijin Pan

  • July 15, 2026

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Clinical Report: Effects of Early Mobilization on Recovery After CABG

Overview

This randomized controlled trial demonstrated that an early graduated mobilization program significantly improved functional recovery and reduced postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The intervention group showed better outcomes in forced vital capacity, activities of daily living, handgrip strength, and shorter hospital stays compared to the control group, as reported in the study.

Background

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a common surgical procedure for patients with multivessel coronary disease, yet postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are prevalent and can lead to increased morbidity and prolonged hospital stays. Early mobilization has emerged as a potential strategy to enhance recovery and minimize complications, as suggested by current guidelines.

Data Highlights

OutcomeIntervention GroupControl GroupP-value
FVC (Postoperative Day 5)Reported as better-< 0.05
ADL ScoresReported as better-< 0.05
Handgrip StrengthReported as better-< 0.05
SPPB ScoresReported as better-< 0.05
PPC Incidence10%62.5%< 0.0001
Postoperative Length of Stay7.13 ± 2.36 days9.18 ± 2.66 days0.0006

Key Findings

  • The early graduated mobilization program improved FVC, ADL scores, handgrip strength, and SPPB scores on postoperative day 5, as reported in the study.
  • Postoperative pulmonary complications occurred in 10% of the intervention group compared to 62.5% in the control group.
  • The intervention group had a shorter postoperative length of stay (7.13 days) compared to the control group (9.18 days).
  • The study included 80 patients randomized into two groups.

Clinical Implications

The findings indicate that implementing an early graduated mobilization protocol can enhance recovery outcomes for patients undergoing CABG, based on the study results.

Conclusion

The early graduated mobilization program is associated with significant improvements in functional recovery and reduced complications after CABG, according to the study.

Related Resources & Content

  1. First Hospital of Jilin University, 2025 -- Effects of an Early Gradual Mobilization Protocol on Recovery and Postoperative Results Following Cardiac Revascularization with Extracorporeal Circulation
  2. Obesity Surgery (Springer) — Immediate Physiotherapy Mobilization in ERAS Protocols with Incentive Spirometry Following Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Randomized Clinical Study
  3. Feasibility Assessment of Supervised Early Mobilization Following Elective Colorectal Surgery
  4. Basic Research in Cardiology — 9th Hatter Biannual Conference: Position Statement on Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury, Conditioning Strategies, and Key Principles of Cardiac Protection
  5. Intensive Care Medicine — The Dilemma of Early Mobilisation: Is It the Appropriate Approach?
  6. Efficacy of enhanced recovery programmes for cardiac surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
  7. Early Mobilization Following Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review of Functional and Hospital Outcomes
  8. 669 ª 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc.
  9. Frontiers | An implementation manual for an interprofessional enhanced recovery after surgery protocol in cardiac surgery following international established frameworks

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