Functional Benefits of Inpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation After Open Aortic and Valvular Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background/Objectives: Patients undergoing open aortic and valvular surgery often experience postoperative deconditioning, yet research on the role of inpatient cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in this population remains limited. This study aimed to examine the effects of inpatient CR on muscle strength, mobility, psychological well-being, and quality of life in patients recovering from open aortic surgery. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study using the medical records of patients who participated in inpatient CR after open aortic surgery. Functional and psychological outcomes were evaluated using the Medical Research Council (MRC) sum score, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Five Times Sit-to-Stand test (5STS), Six-Minute Walk Distance (6MWD), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D). Pre- and post-rehabilitation scores were compared to assess changes in functional status, mobility, and quality of life. A post-discharge satisfaction survey was also analyzed. Results: A total of 33 patients were included. Significant improvements were observed in MBI (p < 0.001), MRC sum score (p < 0.001), 6MWD (p < 0.001), BBS (p < 0.001), TUG (p = 0.003), 5STS (p < 0.001), EQ-5D (p = 0.011), and PHQ-9 (p = 0.009) following inpatient CR. Patients with lower baseline mobility (6MWD ≤ 120 m) exhibited greater improvement in MBI (p = 0.034). Of the 33 patients, 26 completed the satisfaction survey; most reported high satisfaction, perceived health improvements, and willingness to recommend the program. Conclusions: Inpatient CR following open aortic and valvular surgery resulted in significant gains in muscle strength, mobility, psychological health, and overall quality of life. Patients with greater initial impairment demonstrated especially notable functional improvement, supporting the value of tailored CR in this population.