The purpose of this prospective study was to document the effect of an exercise programme on the incidence of pain and dysfunction of the shoulder girdle and upper back after cardiac surgery. Eighty-one patients who underwent cardiac surgery during an 8 week period completed a randomised controlled study. The patients in group I received no exercises; the patients in group 2 received exercises aimed primarily at regaining shoulder girdle and upper back range of employment. These exercises were supervised by a physiotherapist in the immediate post-operative, period and patients were instructed to continue the exercises for 8 weeks following discharge from hospital. A questionnaire designed to assess pain and dysfunction of the shoulder girdle and back was completed pre-operatively and 8 to 10 weeks postoperatively. In addition, patients were telephoned on return of the questionnaire to confirm that their responses reflected their actual condition. Approximately 30% of patients developed musculoskeletal complications. The incidence of these complications was not significantly different between groups. The findings of this study suggest that the nature of the musculoskeletal problems after cardiac surgery needs further clarification so that a more effective means of prevention or management can be developed.

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