Feasibility and safety of early cardiac rehabilitation using remote electrocardiogram monitoring in patients with cardiac surgery

Abstract Background: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of a remote electrocardiogram monitoring-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program during an early postoperative period in patients with cardiac surgery. Methods: Five days after cardiac surgery, patients were referred to a CR department and participated in a low-intensity inpatient CR program. During 2 weeks of the home-based CR period after discharge, patients participated in aerobic and resistance exercises. electrocardiogram data were transmitted to a cloud where researchers closely monitored them and provided feedback to the patients via telephone calls. Grip strength (GS), 6-min walk distance (6MWD) and self-reported questionnaires were measured at three different time points: 5 days postsurgery (T1), predischarge (T2), and 2 weeks after discharge (T3). Squat endurance tests and CPET were performed only at T2 and T3. Results: Sixteen patients completed the study, seven of whom underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). During the period between T2 and T3, peak VO2 improved from 12.39±0.57 to 17.93±1.25 mL/kg/min (pConclusion: Early remote ECG monitoring-based CR programs are safe for patients who underwent cardiac surgery. Additionally, the program improved aerobic capacity, functional status, and quality of life. Trial registration: This study was registered with the Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS) under the trial registration number KCT0006444 on August 13, 2021.