Published Paper Details:

Introduction - Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery is a widely performed procedure aimed at improving blood flow to the heart in patients with severe coronary artery disease. While the surgery is often successful in alleviating symptoms and reducing the risk of heart attacks, patients frequently face significant post-operative challenges. These challenges include reduced lung volumes, decreased oxygenation, and other pulmonary complications that can hinder recovery and prolong hospital stays. Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation is a critical component of post-operative care, designed to enhance recovery, improve functional capacity, and promote overall well-being. This study investigates the effectiveness of combining standard cardiopulmonary rehabilitation with group training and biofeedback in improving recovery outcomes for post-CABG middle-aged male patients. Objectives - The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of group training combined with biofeedback on functional exercise capacity, as measured by the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), in post-CABG patients. Secondary objectives include assessing the effects of the combined intervention on VO2 Max, heart rate, dyspnea scores, pain levels, and health-related quality of life. Additionally, the study aims to compare the outcomes between patients receiving standard cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and those receiving additional group training. Methods - This quasi-experimental study was conducted in hospitals located in Greater Noida. The study involved 60 middle-aged male patients who had undergone CABG surgery. Participants were divided into two groups of 30 each. Group 1 received standard cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, while Group 2 received cardiopulmonary rehabilitation with additional group training. The intervention lasted for 2 weeks, with sessions held three times a week. Each session included warm-up exercises, aerobic exercises, resistance training, breathing exercises, and educational sessions. Group 2 also participated in group activities and biofeedback sessions. Results- Both groups showed significant improvements in functional exercise capacity, as measured by the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Group 2 exhibited a greater increase in the distance walked compared to Group 1, indicating the added benefit of group training. Cardiovascular fitness, assessed through VO2 Max, improved in both groups, although the differences between the groups were not statistically significant. Pain levels, measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), decreased significantly in both groups post-intervention, with no significant difference between the groups. Dyspnea scores were significantly reduced in both groups, with Group 2 experiencing greater improvements. The SF-36 Health Survey scores, which assess health-related quality of life, improved significantly in both groups, with Group 2 showing a more substantial increase. The duration of hospital stay did not differ significantly between the two groups. Conclusion - The study demonstrates that adding group training to standard cardiopulmonary rehabilitation significantly enhances functional exercise capacity, reduces dyspnea, and improves the quality of life in post-CABG middle-aged male patients. While both rehabilitation methods effectively improve cardiovascular fitness and manage pain, group training offers additional benefits through social support and motivation, leading to superior outcomes in specific areas. These findings underscore the value of incorporating group-based interventions and biofeedback into rehabilitation programs for cardiac patients, promoting holistic recovery and improved long-term health outcomes. Keywords- CABG, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, group training, biofeedback, functional exercise capacity, VO2 Max, dyspnea, pain management, quality of life.