IMPACT OF PRE- AND EARLY POST-OPERATIVE ISOMETRIC HANDGRIP TRAINING ON FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY AND AUTONOMIC FUNCTION AFTER STERNOTOMY

This study aims to evaluate the effect of isometric hand grip (IHG) training on functional capacity and autonomic function before and after sternotomy. Open heart surgery causes significant physiological stress, functional decline, and autonomic dysfunction. Patients undergoing sternotomy will be assessed for 6-minute walk test (6MWT), heart rate recovery (HRR), hemodynamic stability, rate pressure product (RPP), hand grip strength, and anxiety level. The intervention group will perform IHG training at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction, 2 minutes contraction per hand followed by 1 minute rest, for 20 minutes daily (2-3 days before surgery and 24 hours once the patient is stabilized after sternotomy), in addition to standard care sessions (breathing and mobilization exercises). This low-cost, safe intervention aims to improve early cardiac rehabilitation, reduce complications, and enhance functional recovery.