Early postoperative 6-minute walk test in cardiac surgery patients: an observational study assessing safety, feasibility, and predictors of completion in India.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Early mobilization after cardiac surgery is crucial for enhancing recovery, minimizing complications, and promoting timely discharge. The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) is a validated measure of functional capacity; however, its use during the early postoperative period-particularly in Intensive care Unit (ICU) settings in India-remains underexplored. This study assesses the safety, feasibility, and functional performance outcomes of the 6MWT administered on postoperative days (PODs) 2 to 4 and identifies factors associated with test completion.

Methods

A cohort-based observational study was conducted in a tertiary care ICU between June and September 2021. In total, 150 cardiac surgery patients aged 30-70 years were enrolled. Inclusion required hemodynamic stability, n

SUBMITTER: Jayaraman P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12696551 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature