Specifics of using thoracic bandage after cardiac surgery via sternotomy and its impact on reducing pain during therapeutic exercises

Purpose: to investigate specifics of using thoracic bandage after cardiac surgery via sternotomy and its impact on reducing pain during therapeutic exercises. In order study a postoperative the seventh day patients (n=252) were asked two questions about force thorax compression exerted by bandage. As soon as answered, degree tension was also assessed physical therapist. Thereafter, some (n=44; who did not take painkillers within 12 hours before examination) numeric rating scale (10 points – maximum pain, 0 no pain) follows: at rest, when coughing moving their upper extremities (arms forward, sideward, upward), wearing with without load (dumbbells 1 2 kg for each arm); then all Most noted that light (184 patients) restrict deep breathing (220 patients). The evaluation performed therapist found had only slight in most (194 or 76.98%), since it easy slip hand between patient’s back bandage, stretching latter minimal effort. use moved extremities. obtained rates very low. highest coughing. When arms level change statistically compared state rest. Arm position increase specific limits level. is characterized mild tension, which does limit and, consequently, cannot chest circumference dehiscence. assessment therapists consistent patients’ responses. reduce coughed.