Early cardiac rehabilitation after CABG with an upper-limb arm cycle versus standard arm exercises

Effects of Phase I Cardiac Rehabilitation With and Without Upper Limb Cycle Ergometer in Immediate Post-Operative Period of CABG

Not applicable Interventional Riphah International University · NCT07128849

This project will test whether adding an upper-limb cycle ergometer to early rehab after CABG helps people with coronary artery disease recover better than standard arm exercises.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment44 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorRiphah International University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province)
Trial IDNCT07128849 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized clinical trial enrolls adults after coronary artery bypass grafting and compares phase I cardiac rehabilitation that includes an upper-limb cycle ergometer to the same rehab program without the ergometer. Participants are recruited in the immediate postoperative, post-extubation period and must be hemodynamically stable and able to perform upper-limb activity. Outcomes include quality of life, dyspnea, functional measures, cardiovascular parameters, and upper-limb strength and range of motion. The trial is conducted at a Lahore hospital affiliated with the sponsoring university using convenience sampling of eligible CABG patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal participants are adults aged 40–65 with planned CABG who are hemodynamically stable, extubated, and able to perform upper-limb exercises without orthopedic or neurologic contraindications.

Not a fit: Patients with significant pulmonary disease, thyroid disorders, prolonged mechanical ventilation (>24 hours), unstable blood pressure or heart rate, orthopedic or neurologic limitations, intra-aortic balloon use, or major postoperative complications are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, adding arm-ergometer sessions could speed recovery by improving upper-limb strength, mobility, breathing symptoms, and overall functional recovery after CABG.

How similar studies have performed: Prior small rehabilitation studies and reports have shown that arm ergometry can improve upper-limb strength, function, and psychosocial outcomes, but randomized data in immediate post-CABG phase I settings are limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Planned CABG patients
* 40-65 years
* Both male and female
* Hemodynamic stable patients
* Post extubation

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients suffering from pulmonary diseases and thyroid disorders
* Mechanical ventilation more than 24 hr
* Mean arterial pressure i.e, \< 60 mmHg or \> 140 mmHg and heart rate not more than 120bpm
* Having an orthopedic condition that makes the use of upper and lower extremity impossible.
* Who have neurological impairment influencing breathing rate and heart rate.
* Who required the implantation of an intra-aortic balloon during surgery
* Who experienced postoperative complications such as pulmonary embolism

Where this trial is running

Lahore, Punjab Province

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions CADphase I cardiac rehabilitationupper limb cycle ergometerpost op period CABG
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.