Acute Care Physical Therapy Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in a 67-Year-Old Male
Document Type
Poster
Start Date
28-4-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
28-4-2026 2:00 PM
Description
Introduction. Coronary artery disease affects 18.2 million adults in the United States and often progresses to require coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)¹. Early mobilization during phase one of cardiac rehabilitation reduces postoperative complications and improves functional outcomes; however, no standardized exercise protocol exists for this phase, with guidance limited to vital sign parameters⁴. While the benefits of early mobilization are established, limited literature describes clinicians addressing concurrent kinesiophobia. An excessive fear of movement due to concern for harm may restrict rehabilitation participation and is under-recognized².
Purpose. The purpose of this case report is to describe the use of early mobilization and patient education to address fear of movement and impaired mobility following CABG.
Methods. A 67-year-old with multi-vessel coronary artery disease underwent CABG and was evaluated on postoperative day one by physical therapy in the ICU. He presented with impaired activity tolerance, functional mobility, and fear of movement. Functional mobility was defined by standardized assistance levels and ambulation distance. Aerobic tolerance was measured by distance ambulated and physiological response. He participated in four sessions before being discharged home safely.
Results. Mobility improved with decreased assistance levels, progressing to 1200 feet of ambulation without an assistive device. This was accompanied by reduced observable fear of movement as the patient progressed from guarded participation to confident ambulation.
Discussion. Graded low intensity exercise with continued education corresponded with improvements in function and confidence in movement, highlighting the importance of addressing early mobilization and psychological barriers during acute cardiac rehabilitation.
Recommended Citation
Pflug, Isabella, "Acute Care Physical Therapy Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in a 67-Year-Old Male" (2026). School of Allied Health Professions Research Day. 24.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/ahrd/2026/posters/24
Acute Care Physical Therapy Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in a 67-Year-Old Male
Introduction. Coronary artery disease affects 18.2 million adults in the United States and often progresses to require coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)¹. Early mobilization during phase one of cardiac rehabilitation reduces postoperative complications and improves functional outcomes; however, no standardized exercise protocol exists for this phase, with guidance limited to vital sign parameters⁴. While the benefits of early mobilization are established, limited literature describes clinicians addressing concurrent kinesiophobia. An excessive fear of movement due to concern for harm may restrict rehabilitation participation and is under-recognized².
Purpose. The purpose of this case report is to describe the use of early mobilization and patient education to address fear of movement and impaired mobility following CABG.
Methods. A 67-year-old with multi-vessel coronary artery disease underwent CABG and was evaluated on postoperative day one by physical therapy in the ICU. He presented with impaired activity tolerance, functional mobility, and fear of movement. Functional mobility was defined by standardized assistance levels and ambulation distance. Aerobic tolerance was measured by distance ambulated and physiological response. He participated in four sessions before being discharged home safely.
Results. Mobility improved with decreased assistance levels, progressing to 1200 feet of ambulation without an assistive device. This was accompanied by reduced observable fear of movement as the patient progressed from guarded participation to confident ambulation.
Discussion. Graded low intensity exercise with continued education corresponded with improvements in function and confidence in movement, highlighting the importance of addressing early mobilization and psychological barriers during acute cardiac rehabilitation.