Isometric Handgrip Training Before and After Heart Surgery to Boost Recovery

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This interventional study examines the effect of isometric handgrip training, using a hand dynamometer, administered before and after sternotomy in adults undergoing elective open-heart surgery. Participants perform 30% maximal effort handgrip contractions for 2 minutes per hand with 1-minute rest, totaling 20 minutes daily, starting 2 days before surgery and resuming after stabilization postoperatively. Outcomes include functional capacity measures (6-minute walk test), autonomic function (heart rate recovery), hemodynamics, rate pressure product, handgrip strength, and anxiety levels. Standard care such as breathing and mobilization exercises continues alongside the training. The goal is to determine if this low-cost, safe intervention can enhance early cardiac rehabilitation and reduce postoperative complications.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Male patients aged 40-55 years
* Ejection fraction (EF) \>40% as documented by pre-operative echocardiography
* Patients undergoing elective open-heart surgery via median sternotomy (e.g., CABG, single or double valve replacement)
* Cognitive ability to follow exercise instructions
* Sternal stability with no evidence of post-operative sternal complications
* Hemodynamically stable for at least 24-48 hours postoperatively
* Stable cardiac rhythm (sinus rhythm or well-controlled atrial fibrillation with resting heart rate \<100 bpm)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Sternal infection or wound complications
* Medically unstable postoperative condition preventing safe participation in exercise training
* Musculoskeletal or cognitive impairments limiting ability to participate in exercise training
* Previous cardiac surgery
* Anemia
* Uncontrolled hypertension
* Cardiac arrhythmia or angina

Where it's running

• National Heart institute
  Giza, Egypt Recruiting

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.