Clinical & Experimental Cardiology
Open Access

Abstract

Physical Therapy Treatment after Cardiac Surgery : A National Survey of Practice in Greece

Constantina Lomi and Elisabeth Westerdahl

Physical therapy is offered to patients undergoing cardiac surgery in many countries. There is limited published data on what physical therapy treatments are provided and what exercises are recommended to patients after cardiac surgery in Europe. The aim of this survey was to establish the current practice of physical therapy for cardiac surgery patients in Greece. A prospective survey was carried out among a total population sample of physical therapists at all public and private cardiothoracic centers in Greece. A postal questionnaire was used to determine the actual physical therapy management of cardiac surgery patients. In total, 45 physical therapists (response rate 78%) from public and private hospitals completed the survey. The mean work experience as physical therapist at a department of cardiothoracic surgery was 10 ± 6 years. Preoperative information was given, according to half of the physical therapists. During the first postoperative days the patients usually received 1 to 6 treatment sessions a day by the physical therapist. Usual physical therapy treatments during the first postoperative days were breathing exercises, coughing techniques, chest wall vibrations, and mobilization. Coughing support was provided to the patients, according to 91% of the physical therapists. Manual coughing support from the physical therapist was the most common technique. In total, 93% of the physical therapists instructed the patients to perform breathing exercises on a regular basis postoperatively. Deep breathing exercises and incentive spirometry were the two most frequently used techniques. Recommendations to continue the breathing exercises for a period of between 3 days and 8 months were given postoperatively. This survey provides an initial insight into physical therapy practice for cardiac surgery patients in Greece. Further comparison between countries is warranted to improve the management of the cardiac surgery patient.