Walking Exercise and Its Effect on Functional Capacity and Productivity in Post-Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Patients: A Randomized
Controlled Trial

Walking Exercise and Its Effect on Functional Capacity and Productivity in Post-Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Patients: A Randomized
Controlled Trial

Coronary artery bypass; functional
capacities; productivity; walking

Background: Post-CABG patients may experience several problems following
surgery. Their functional capacity and productivity often decline after the
procedure. Walking exercise is considered beneficial for improving functional
capacity and productivity, as it can increase cardiac output. However, previous
studies have shown mixed results, highlighting the need for further research that
takes into account variables such as the type, intensity, frequency, and duration of
exercise to better understand its impact.
Purpose: This study aimed to assess the effect of walking exercise on functional
capacity and productivity in patients after CABG.
Methods: This study used a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) design with a
single-blind outcome assessor. The sample size was 42 respondents, who were
divided into the intervention and control groups. The intervention group received
walking exercise and leg straightening, while the control group received only leg
straightening. The 6-Minute Walking Test (MWT) was used to measure functional
capacity, while the WPAI measured productivity. Data analysis used independent
and dependent t-tests for normally distributed variables such as functional
capacity, impairment while working, and activity impairment, and Mann-Whitney
and Wilcoxon tests for variables that were not normally distributed, such as work
time missed and overall work impairment.
Results: This study showed a significant effect of walking exercise on functional
capacity (6.262±0.597 vs. 5.762±0.559, p=0.008), impairment while working
(27.14±10.556 vs. 36.67±12.383, p=0.011), and activity impairment (23.81±6.690
vs. 19.52±6.690, p=0.044). Moreover, the study’s results showed no significant
difference in work time missed (4.086±7.003 vs. 3.900±6.288, p=0.967) and
overall work impairment (3.795±4.756 vs. 3.757±4.628, p=0.696) between the
groups.
Conclusion: Walking exercise improves cardiac function and metabolism, which
increases adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, thereby enhancing functional
capacity and productivity in patients. Nurses should play active roles in encouraging
and educating post-CABG patients to incorporate regular walking exercises into
their recovery routines.

Indra Gilang Pamungkas1

, Tuti Herawati1

, Prima Agustia Nova1

https://doi.org/10.14710/nmjn.v14i3.57436

26 April 2025

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