Preoperative exercise and recovery after cardiac surgery: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the association between preoperative exercise and recovery after cardiac surgery. METHODS: Literature comparing preoperative exercise and the control group for patients receiving cardiac surgery was retrieved in multiple databases. Review Manager 5.2 was adopted for meta-analysis, sensitivity analysis and bias analysis. RESULTS: Finally, 6 relevant studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. There was significant difference in length of stay in intensive care unit (ICU) (MD- = 1.35, 95%CI [− 2.64, − 0.06], P = 0.04; P for heterogeneity < 0.0001, I(2) = 88%) and physical function after operation (P of heterogeneity = 0.32, I(2) = 12%, Z = 9.92, P of over effect< 0.00001). The meta-analysis suggested that there was no significant difference in white blood cell count (WBC) at postoperative day 7 and mental health after operation between the exercise group and the control group. Limited publication bias was observed in this study. CONCLUSION: Preoperative exercise including inhaled muscle training, aerobics, resistance training and stretching could promote recovery after cardiac surgery.