Objective: To investigate the effects of home-based cardiac rehabilitation program on exercise capacity using the six-minute walk test (6-MWT) in open heart surgery patients, Naresuan University Hospital.
Material and Method: In a quasi-experimental study design, seventy patients who were diagnosed with heart diseases and received open heart surgery at Cardiac Center, Naresuan University Hospital were enrolled and collected data from October 2015 - September 2016 (n=70). The patients completed 8-12 weeks home-based cardiac rehabilitation program. The patients were performed the 6-MWT before hospital discharge, the first and second follow up time point. Data were expressed as average mean and chi-square test were used to determine the relationships among outcome parameters.
Results: There was a significant within-group in 6-MWT distance after completed home-based cardiac rehabilitation program (377.0±69.0 meters) compared to before hospital discharge (209.0±62.0 meters) and the first follow up time point (4-8 weeks) (306.0±88.0 meters) (p-value<0.050).
Conclusion: The 8-12 weeks home-based cardiac rehabilitation program exhibited significant positive effects on exercise capacity in open heart surgery patients, Naresuan University Hospital.