Challenging traditional activity limits after coronary artery bypass graft surgery: a simulated lawn-mowing activity.
OBJECTIVE
Physician advice and restrictions to patients following a cardiac event can, in some instances, lead patients to be fearful regarding their activities even to the point of inactivity. The purpose of this study was to test whether lawn mowing, one of the activities most strongly discouraged after coronary artery bypass surgery, could be safely performed in a supervised setting.


METHODS
Subjects participated in a 6-session simulated lawn-mowing protocol, calibrated to match the push and pull forces of using an outdoor nonpropelled lawn mower. Plain chest radiographs were taken before and after the protocol period. During each session, subjects' sternums were carefully palpated and electrocardiograms, heart rates, and blood pressures were monitored.


RESULTS
None of the 13 subjects experienced adverse arrhythmia events or detrimental heart rate, blood pressure, or sternal palpation findings that led to study discontinuation. The radiographs taken after protocol completion showed stable sternal wires with no evidence of sternal dehiscence.


CONCLUSIONS
Simulated lawn mowing did not negatively affect the sternal incision, electrocardiogram findings, blood pressure, or heart rate in this small sample.
Adams
Jenny
J
Walter I. Berman Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation Department, Baylor Hamilton Heart and Vascular Hospital, Dallas, TX 75246, USA. jennya@BaylorHealth.edu
Pullum
Gwen
G
Stafford
Pamala
P
Hanners
Nava
N
Hartman
Julie
J
Strauss
Danielle
D
Hubbard
Matt
M
Lawrence
Anne
A
Anderson
Valerie
V
McCullough
Tiffany
T
D000368:Aged; D001794:Blood Pressure; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005080:Exercise Test; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged