Upper limb exercise prescription following cardiac surgery via median sternotomy: A web survey

Abstract

PURPOSE: Following cardiac surgery via median sternotomy, patients are routinely advised to adhere to upper limb restrictions to prevent the development of sternal complications. However, there is no definitive evidence to support the clinical application of such restrictions. The purpose of this study was to investigate current physiotherapy practice regarding upper limb exercise guidelines for this population, within outpatient cardiac rehabilitation in Australia.METHODS: Physiotherapists working within outpatient cardiac rehabilitation programs in Australia were invited to complete a Web survey.RESULTS: The response rate was 77%. The majority of respondents (96%) prescribed upper limb exe..