Abstract
BACKGROUND: Grip strength is a simple predictor of cardiovascular events and their prognosis. Early ambulation is related to an increase in functional independence, shortening of hospital stay, and a decrease in the need for readmission in patients with cardiovascular disease. However, little is known about the relationship between grip strength and early ambulation after cardiac surgery. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this observational study, 92 patients who underwent scheduled cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation without unexpected complications and in whom grip strength was measured before surgery were included. We divided them into 48 low and 44 preserved grip strength groups according to the criterion for frailty and sarcopenia. Age, the percentage of females, and the New York Heart Association classification in the low grip strength group were significantly higher than in the preserved grip strength group. All of the measures of functional status were significantly low in the low grip strength group. There were no significant differences in perioperative procedures between the groups. In-hospital outcomes were poorer, step-ups of rehabilitation were significantly later and the hospitalization stays were significantly longer in the low grip strength group. In the multiple regression analysis, grip strength was an independent predictor of early ambulation. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that grip strength is an independent predictor of early ambulation in patients after cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation.