Impact of early ambulation on functionality in patients undergoing valve replacement surgery

BACKGROUND: Cardiac surgery is a highly complex procedure that aims to increase and prolong the quality of life of patients. The role of physiotherapy in early mobilization after cardiac surgery has shown several benefits to the patient when he presents impairments in terms of functionality. AIM: To evaluate the impact of early ambulation on the functionality of patients undergoing cardiac valve replacement surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective cohort study in patients undergoing cardiac valve replacement surgery. Patients had their functionality assessed preoperatively using the Functional Independence Measurement (FIM) and Perme Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Mobility Score scales. At ICU discharge, they were divided into two groups: walking group (WG) and non-WG (NWG). At discharge, the two functional scales were reapplied in these patients. Pre- and postoperative values were assessed using the independent Student’s t-test. It was considered statistically significant when P<0.05. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy patients were evaluated, 110 (65%) male, with a mean age of 48±2 years. In relation to Perme Score, the WG had a decrease of 11±2 and the NWG had a decrease of 13±2 (P=0.34). Regarding FIM, those who walked had a decrease of 27±3 against those who did not walk, which showed a reduction of 36±5, with a significance level of P<0.001. CONCLUSION: Based on the FIM data found, patients undergoing cardiac valve replacement surgery who underwent early mobilization had less decrease of functionality compared to patients who did not ambulate. RELEVANCE FOR PATIENTS: Based on this article, we can demonstrate that walking while still in the ICU environment favors less loss of functionality for patients after valve replacement surgery.