A Longitudinal Study to Analyse & Quantify Functional Capacity Post- Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Study Objective: to analyze and quantify the Functional capacity in post-coronary bypass subjects by using six minute walk test on 6th and 13th post operative day by comparing their value with matched normal subject.

Sample: a convenient sample of 15 patients, 12 male and 03 female age group of 40-60 years who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) included in this study. In group B, 15 age, sex, height and weight matched normal subjects were also taken to compare the data of patients to analyze the CABG patients functional capacity.

Design: a longitudinal quasi- experimental design.

Methods: the 6minute walk test (6MWD) was conducted according to standardized protocol on each of test days. Participants were told "the purpose of this test is to see how far you can walk in six minutes". Oxygen saturation, heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate and rate of perceived exertion was taken at the start and end of six minute walk test and distance covered in six minutes noted, similarly, 6 minute walk test was conducted on the matched normal subjects and the following distance noted.

Results: results showed significant increase in six minute walk distance over the period of time. The mean value of 6MWD on 6th post-operative day was 280 + 46 meter which increased to statistically significant level of 355 + 43 meters on 13th post operative day (p=0.00). When looking at change in 6MWD covered by CABG subjects and normal subjects on 13th post-op day, indicating the decrease in lag or improvement in 6MWD between CABG subjects and matched normal group. However, none of the patient reached to values of normal matched group by 13th post-op day.

Conclusion : This study help us suggest that the patient with this age group following CABG achieve functional capacity in the range of 3-5 MET's and could easily perform activities in this range by 13th post op day. Further, understanding functional level will assist in determining patient's need for rehabilitation services after CABG surgery.