Comparing Early vs Delayed Mobilization After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) and Its Impact on Functional Recovery

Abstract

Background: Delayed functional recovery and postoperative complications remain common challenges following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), often prolonging hospitalization and impairing patient independence. Postoperative immobility contributes to muscle deconditioning, pulmonary complications, and reduced exercise tolerance. Early mobilization has been proposed as a strategy to enhance recovery; however, its benefits compared with conventional delayed mobilization remain inconsistently applied in routine cardiac surgical care. Objective: To evaluate whether early postoperative mobilization accelerates functional recovery and reduces complications compared with delayed mobilization in patients undergoing CABG. Methods: A single-center randomized controlled trial was conducted in a tertiary cardiac care setting. Sixty adult patients undergoing elective, first-time isolated CABG were randomly allocated to early mobilization (initiation within 24 hours postoperatively) or delayed mobilization (initiation after 72 hours). Functional recovery was assessed at discharge using the Six-Minute Walk Test, Barthel Index, and Modified Borg Scale. Postoperative complications and length of hospital stay were recorded from clinical records. Between-group comparisons were performed using appropriate parametric statistical tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Patients in the early mobilization group demonstrated significantly greater walking capacity (312.6 ± 48.9 m vs. 248.3 ± 52.1 m, p < 0.001) and higher independence in activities of daily living (Barthel Index: 87.4 ± 8.6 vs. 74.9 ± 10.2, p < 0.001) compared with the delayed group. Perceived exertion was lower among early mobilized patients (p = 0.002). Pulmonary complications, particularly atelectasis, were less frequent in the early mobilization group, and hospital stay was significantly shorter (6.2 ± 1.1 vs. 7.8 ± 1.4 days, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Early postoperative mobilization after CABG was associated with improved functional recovery, fewer complications, and reduced hospital stay, supporting its integration into standard postoperative rehabilitation protocols.