The Effect of Early Six-Minute Walking Test Post-Coronary Artery Bypass Graft on Walking Tolerance and Physiological Parameters

Background: The 6-minute walking test is a commonly easy test that does not need advanced training. It is used for evaluating the functional status and exercise tolerance of patients with heart diseases. It provides consistent information about the patient’s daily activity, the effect of treatment, and the prognosis. Aim: To evaluate the effect of an early six-minute walking test (6MWT) post coronary artery bypass graft on walking tolerance and physiological parameters. Setting: This study was conducted at the cardiothoracic intensive care unit (ICU) at Mansoura University Hospital in Egypt. Method: A quasi-experimental design was utilized in this research. A convenience sample of 60 adult patients who were scheduled for and underwent coronary artery bypass graft was enrolled in this study. Data were collected using ‘physiological parameters and six minutes walking test assessment tool’. It involved three parts: Part I: Participants' demographic and health profile data, Part II: Physiological parameters, and six minutes walking test observation checklist and Part III: Borg rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale. Results: No significant differences were noted (p=≤ 0.05) between the intervention and control groups regarding gender, age, smoking status, and body mass index. However, there were significant differences between the two groups concerning the length of stay on mechanical ventilation, the time of six minute walking test after extubation, complaining from dyspnea and fatigue, and the number of rest periods. Conclusion and Recommendations: The implementation of an early 6MWT post coronary artery bypass grafting improved patients' physiological parameters and walking tolerance. Therefore, nurses should attend a training program on the implementation of early 6MWT for post operative patients in the cardiothoracic intensive care units. Additionally, the 6MWT guidelines and standards should be available in all hospitals to facilitate and enhance the success of cardiac rehabilitation programs.