Early mobilisation after cardiac surgery on functional and pulmonary and hospital outcomes: A narrative review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62827/fb.v27i8.1293Keywords:
Recovery of Function; Early Ambulation; Cardiac Surgical Procedures; Respiratory Function Tests; Length of Stay.Abstract
Introduction: Early mobilisation is part of in-hospital rehabilitation after cardiac surgery, but its specific effects are intertwined with breathing exercises and multidisciplinary pathways. Objective: To analyse the effects of early mobilisation on pulmonary function, functional recovery, safety, and length of stay in adults undergoing cardiac surgery. Methods: A narrative review was conducted through searches in PubMed and the Scientific Electronic Library Online in September 2026, prioritising studies from 2021 to 2026 while retaining relevant earlier research. Results: Recent syntheses described predominantly functional benefits, without a single quantitative estimate because of heterogeneity. In a meta-analysis of 20 studies and 2,523 participants, early mobility improved six-minute walk distance (standardised mean difference = 1.22; 95% confidence interval: 0.62 to 1.82) and reduced hospital (−0.55; −0.85 to −0.24) and intensive care stays (−0.48; −0.93 to −0.03), with heterogeneity above 85%. Position changes were associated with immediate increases in lung volumes and oxygenation; individual trials reported less atelectasis and pleural effusion, but additional aerobic exercise did not prevent spirometric decline. Conclusion: Early mobilisation appears safe when guided by clinical assessment, monitoring, and individualised progression and supports functional recovery. It may contribute to pulmonary outcomes and shorter stays, but the magnitude of these effects remains uncertain and context-dependent.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Mônica Fernandes Delapasse, Ana Luísa Magnabosco Brandalise, Lucas Guilherme Martins Santos, Laura Leme de Araujo Rodrigues da Silva (Autor)
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