Effect of Cycle Ergometery on Functional Capacity and Pulmonary Function in Phase – I Cardiac Rehabilitation

Background: Pulmonary complications are most common after the coronary artery bypass grafting. The vital role of Cardiac Rehabilitation is to prevent complication, improve functional capacity & enhance QoL of patients. The core component of rehabilitation is aerobic exercise training. Cycle ergometers have been proposed as an alternative in early cardiac rehabilitation. Therefore, the aim of study is to find out the effectiveness of cycle ergometer on functional capacity and pulmonary functions in patients with CABG surgery. Subjects and Methods: A prospective randomized control trial was conducted in patients who underwent for elective CABG surgery. Total 44 patients were screened and 33 patients recruited who met with an inclusion criterion. Those were allocated into two groups i.e., control group and experimental group by Balance block - computer - generated randomization. Control group received conventional therapy and experimental group received cycle ergometer start with 3 minutes and progress up to 5 minutes along with conventional therapy twice a day till the discharge. In the study, 6-minute walk test, Maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and Chest expansion were assessed at baseline and at time of discharge. Results: There is significant improvement found at time of discharge in 6 MWT distance, MIP and chest expansion as compared to baseline in both the groups. But there is no statistically significant difference seen in 6 MWT distance, MIP and chest expansion as compared to control group. Conclusion: Incorporation of cycle ergometer with conventional physiotherapy was not giving any additional benefits to 6-minute walk test distance, Maximum inspiratory pressure and Chest expansion between two groups.