Effect of physical activity in the first five days after cardiac surgery

To quantify physiotherapist-supervised and independent physical activity undertaken from the first to the fifth day after cardiac surgery (POD1 to POD5), and to relate the amount of physical activity undertaken with hospital stay and postoperative physiological functional capacity on POD6. Physiotherapist-supervised and independent physical activity were monitored in 83 adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery, using a bi-axial accelerometer and skin sensors that measured, galvanic skin response and body temperature. Patients completed a 6-min walk test (6MWT) on POD6. Step count and physical activity intensity (METs; metbolic equivalents) were the main outcome measures. Males exhibited significantly higher physiotherapist-supervised and independent physical activity step counts and time ≥ 3 METS (p