The purpose of this study is to determine if performed force measurements yield a different recommended weight lifted during the sternotomy healing process than the traditional gold standard of 5 pounds. A secondary endpoint data obtained will be scores from the pre and post-activity questionnaires.
In a prospective study involving 130 cardiac rehabilitation patients muscular strength will be measured with a force dynamometer (PRIMUS) on six commonly performed activities. During the first session of cardiac rehabilitation, each subject's date of birth, height, and weight will be recorded. To ensure safety, cardiovascular nurse specialists and exercise physiologists will monitor the patients for hypertension (blood pressure \>240/110 mm Hg), arrhythmias, angina, dizziness, pain, shortness of breath, and perceived exertion. The subjects will be asked to complete a pre-activity confidence survey. On the second day of cardiac rehabilitation, a clinical exercise specialist will the PRIMUS equipment to obtain force measurements on the six activities including: rising from a bed, rising from a chair, opening a door, lifting an object from the floor and/or placing an object overhead. Following the performance of the activities, the patients will be asked to complete a post-activity confidence survey.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Force pounds lifted post-median sternotomy
Determining if performed force measurements yield a different recommended weight lifted during the sternotomy healing process than the traditional gold standard of 5 pounds.
Time frame: Day 1 or 2 of protocol
Changes in confidence to perform ADLs
Change in confidence for ADLs post-sternotomy with a questionnaire pre and post protocol (Scale: 1-5; with 1 being the least confident and 5 being the most confident)
Time frame: Day 1 or 2 of protocol
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