Impact of Early Mobilization Within the Intensive Care Unit After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery treats complications from coronary artery diseases, and its recovery traditionally consisted of bedrest. Recent research emphasizes the benefits of early mobilization for hospitalized patients. However, the functional outcomes and effectiveness of early mobilization for persons within the intensive care units after CABG has not been investigated thus far. The objective of this review was to determine the effectiveness of early mobilization in reducing hospital and intensive care unit length of stay (LoS) and improving functional outcomes of persons after CABG. This study was registered with PROSPERO and followed PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and PEDro databases were searched using MeSH terms. Studies with early mobilization interventions for adults in the intensive care unit after CABG that recorded outcomes of LoS or functioning were included. Methodological quality was measured using the PEDro scale and Oxford Level of Evidence. This systematic review collectively addressed 2280 participants through 14 studies in 7 countries. The initiation time frames for early mobilization varied, with the majority beginning within 24 to 48 hours after surgery and interventions were heterogenous. Early mobility was found to be effective in reducing atelectasis, improving oxygen saturation, and decreasing time spent on mechanical ventilation. Among early mobilization participants, the LoS was reduced in all studies; intensive care unit LoS decreased by one day or greater in 6 of 14 studies, and hospital LoS decreased by one day or greater in 5 of 7 studies. Data analysis found that early mobilization achieved better functional outcomes. It was found that implementing early mobilization led to decreased intensive care and hospital lengths of stay, reduced atelectasis and pleural effusion, and improved functional and respiratory outcomes in persons who underwent CABG surgery.