Physical activity and lean body mass loss following coronary artery bypass graft surgery
Shaw, D.K.; Deutsch, D.T.; Schall, P.M.; Bowling, R.J.
Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness 31(1): 67-74
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-4707 PMID: 1861487 Document Number: 379792
The present study was undertaken to determine the effect of Phase I exercise therapy on lean body mass loss in recovering coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery patients. Thirty male CABG surgery patients volunteered for the study. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups with one group receiving Phase I exercise therapy. The other group was allowed to participate in ward activities and ad libitum walking. Select measures of lean body mass change, including urinary urea nitrogen, blood urea nitrogen, urinary creatinine, serum creatinine and nitrogen balance, were obtained during six days of hospitalization. Results reveal no statistical difference (p greater than 0.05) between those receiving and those not receiving Phase I exercise therapy relative to these measures. We conclude that the effects of exercise which ameliorate lean body mass loss may be realized by insuring even modest ambulation as an adjunct to frequent assumption of the upright position.