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Impact of Pre- and Early Post-operative Isometric Handgrip Training on Functional Capacity and Autonomic Function After Sternotomy
Sponsor: Cairo University
Summary
This study aims to evaluate the effect of isometric handgrip (IHG) training on functional capacity and autonomic function before and after sternotomy. Open-heart surgery causes significant physiological stress, functional decline, and autonomic dysfunction. Patients undergoing sternotomy will be assessed for 6-minute walk test (6MWT), heart rate recovery (HRR), hemodynamic stability, rate pressure product (RPP), handgrip strength, and anxiety level. The intervention group will perform IHG training at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction, 2 minutes contraction per hand followed by 1 minute rest, for 20 minutes daily, 2-3 days before surgery and 24 hours once the patient is stabilized after sternotomy, in addition to standard care sessions (breathing and mobilization exercises). This low-cost, safe intervention aims to improve early cardiac rehabilitation, reduce complications, and enhance functional recovery.
Key Details
Gender
MALE
Age Range
40 Years - 55 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
50
Start Date
2026-10-16
Completion Date
2027-02
Last Updated
2026-11-02
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Isometric Handgrip Training using analog hand dynamometer
Isometric hand grip training performed using an analog hand dynamometer (baseline type) at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction. Protocol: 2 minutes contraction per hand followed by 1 minute rest, total duration 20 minutes per session, once daily for 2-3 days before sternotomy and starting 24 hours after surgery once the patient is hemodynamically stabilized. Performed in addition to standard physiotherapy.
Standard care including breathing and motor exercises
Standard care: performed twice daily (morning and afternoon) for control group and once daily (afternoon) for IHGT group, 20 min per session: 1) Respiratory exercises (10 min): passive manual expiratory therapy 2 sets x 10 reps, fractional inspiration in times 3 sets x 10 reps, diaphragmatic breathing 3 sets x 10 reps. 2) Motor exercises (10 min): active exercises for upper and lower limbs, stationary walking 2-3 min, overground ambulation 3 min, and gradual stair training 1-2 flights (5-10 steps) based on hemodynamic stability.
Locations (1)
National Heart institute
Giza, Egypt