Low-level laser therapy versus trunk stabilization exercises on sternotomy healing after coronary artery bypass grafting: a randomized clinical trial Zeinab Mohammed Helmy1 & Sherin Hassan Mohammed Mehani2 & Basant Hamdy El-Refaey1 & Eman Hassan Abd Al-Salam3 & El-Sayed Essam El-Sayed Felaya1

Research Abstract

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) versus trunk stabilization exercises on sternotomy healing following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. Forty-five male patients who had acute sternal instability post- CABG surgery in the age range of 45–65 years were divided randomly into three equal groups (n = 15). The laser group received LLLT, while the exercise group received trunk stabilization exercises. The control group only received a routine cardiac rehabilitation programme, which was also provided to both the laser and the exercise groups. All groups were offered 12 sessions over 4 weeks. Sternal separation, median sternotomy photographic analysis, pain and activities of daily living (ADL) performance were evaluated pre- and post-treatment. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. There was a significant decrease among the laser group in upper sternal separation, while the exercise and control groups showed a non-significant decrease. In terms of mid-sternal separation, laser and exercise groups showed a significant decrease while the control group showed a non-significant decrease. In terms of lower-sternal separation, the exercise group showed a significant decrease, while the laser and control groups showed a non-significant decrease. Post-treatment between-groups analysis showed a significant difference only among the laser and control groups with regard to upper sternal separation, while analysis of the laser, exercise and control groups in the case of upper-sternal separation and the between-groups comparison in terms of mid- and lower-sternal separation revealed no significant differences. LLLT and trunk stabilization exercises were found to be the most effective methods for sternotomy healing post-CABG surgery, with LLLT offering superior performance in the case of the upper sternum while trunk stabilization exercises were more effective for the lower sternum. Keywords Coronary artery bypass grafting . Low-level laser therapy . Sternotomy healing . Trunk stabilization exercises

Research Keywords

Keywords Coronary artery bypass grafting . Low-level laser therapy . Sternotomy healing . Trunk stabilization exercises