Correlation between Functionality and Quality of Life in Patients after Cardiac Surgery

Abstract This study aims to investigate the relationship between early physical exercise and patients' functional ability and quality of life after cardiac surgery. A total of 100 patients, ages 18 to 65, 52 men and 48 women, took part in the early physical activity program following cardiac surgery from the first to the seventh postoperative day. The six-minute walk test (6MWT), short form-international physical activity questionnaire (SF-IPAQ), and short form-36 (SF-36) quality of life were used as outcome measures. Each test and questionnaire completed on the seventh day following cardiac surgery. According to statistical analysis, there was a statistically significant correlation (P<0.001) between the SF-IPAQ score and the 6MWT and SF-36. According to our findings, patients who had heart surgery reported higher levels of physical activity and better quality of life as well as increased functional ability.