Early cardiac rehabilitation for patients after heart surgery

Effectiveness of Early Cardiac Rehabilitation After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Not applicable Interventional Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa · NCT06116773

This study tests if starting a supervised exercise program two weeks after heart surgery can help patients recover better and feel healthier compared to just getting regular care.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages65 Years to 95 Years
SexAll
SponsorIstanbul University - Cerrahpasa Academic / other
Locations1 site (Istanbul)
Trial IDNCT06116773 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This experimental study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of early cardiac rehabilitation starting in the second week after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an 8-week supervised rehabilitation program or a control group receiving usual care. The study will assess improvements in functional capacity, quality of life, frailty, and body composition among the participants. The goal is to determine if early rehabilitation can enhance recovery and reduce the risk of future cardiac events.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients aged 65 and older who have undergone CABG surgery and are able to participate in exercise training.

Not a fit: Patients with serious cardiac conditions, unstable health issues, or significant comorbidities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve recovery outcomes and quality of life for patients after heart surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that cardiac rehabilitation programs can lead to meaningful improvements in recovery for cardiac patients, suggesting a positive outlook for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ⩾65 years old patients who underwent CABG surgery in the 2nd week post-op
* No contraindications for exercise training and ability to exercise
* Patients without diagnosed cognitive impairment

Exclusion Criteria:

* Cardiac arrhythmias that pose a serious risk
* Unstable angina
* Decompensated heart failure
* Unstable blood pressure control
* Peripheral artery disease with claudication
* Severe myocardial ischemia
* Cerebrovascular disease
* Orthopedic disease
* Chronic kidney disease (creatinine \>3.0 mg/dL)
* Liver dysfunction (alanine aminotransferase \>200 U/L)
* Other serious organ failure and/or other medical causes (e.g. difficulty walking)

Where this trial is running

Istanbul

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 Coronary Artery DiseaseEarly Cardiac RehabilitationCoronary Artery Bypass Graft SurgeryFunctional CapacityQuality of LifeFrailty
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.