Analysis of Activities of Daily Living Performance in Patients Recovering from Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG) on the ability to perform activities of daily living. Patients who had recently undergone CABG surgery (n = 40) participated in this study. They completed the Functional Status Index, a self-report instrument, at two weeks and two months postsurgery. We calculated the response frequency for each item of the Functional Status Index and used chi-square for data analysis. A significant loss of function occurs immediately following surgery. The number of patients who experienced limitations or difficulty with opening containers, dressing, and rising from a chair increased two weeks after CABG surgery. Depressed physical function immediately following surgery may be related to surgeon-determined activity restrictions, fear of activity, and/or exacerbation of symptoms.

KEYWORDS:

• Coronary artery bypass surgery
• cardiovascular disease
• activities of daily living
• functional status
• rehabilitation