Objective:

To evaluate the effects of an early, graduated mobilization program on functional recovery in patients undergoing on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Approach:

• Study Design: A randomized controlled trial involving 80 patients undergoing on-pump CABG, randomized into control and intervention groups.
• Intervention: The intervention group followed an early graduated mobilization program, while the control group received standard rehabilitation nursing.

Key Findings:

• On postoperative day 5, the intervention group demonstrated significantly better FVC, ADL scores, handgrip strength, and SPPB scores (all P < 0.05).
• PPC incidence was markedly lower (10% vs. 62.5%, P < 0.0001), and postoperative length of stay was shorter (7.13 ± 2.36 vs. 9.18 ± 2.66 days, P = 0.0006).

Interpretation:

The early graduated mobilization program was found to be safe and feasible, leading to improved short-term functional recovery and reduced complications.

Limitations:

• The study was conducted at a single center, limiting generalizability.
• Long-term safety and effectiveness of the intervention require confirmation through larger multicenter studies.

Conclusion:

The early graduated mobilization program is associated with improved recovery outcomes after on-pump CABG.