Cardiac surgery is a critical intervention for managing advanced cardiovascular diseases, yet post-surgical recovery and long-term health outcomes depend significantly on lifestyle modifications, particularly physical activity. Exercise has been widely recognized as a vital component of cardiac rehabilitation, improving cardiovascular function, reducing the risk of complications, and enhancing overall fitness levels in post-surgery patients (Adekunle et al., 2023). However, many patients fail to engage in appropriate exercise regimens due to fear, lack of knowledge, or inadequate professional guidance.
Nurses play a crucial role in educating and counseling patients about the benefits of exercise following cardiac surgery. Exercise counseling involves structured guidance on safe physical activities tailored to individual patient needs, addressing concerns such as intensity, frequency, and duration of workouts (Okonkwo et al., 2024). Studies indicate that patients who receive proper exercise counseling from nurses show better adherence to rehabilitation programs and experience improved physical and psychological outcomes (Eze et al., 2023).
Despite the recognized benefits, there is limited research on the effectiveness of nurse-led exercise counseling in improving fitness levels among post-cardiac surgery patients in Nigeria, particularly in Cross River State. Many healthcare facilities lack structured cardiac rehabilitation programs, and patients often struggle with self-management due to inadequate education on post-operative exercise routines. This study seeks to examine the impact of exercise counseling by nurses on the fitness levels of post-cardiac surgery patients in Cross River State, thereby contributing to improved recovery strategies for these patients.
A significant number of post-cardiac surgery patients in Nigeria experience poor fitness levels due to low adherence to prescribed physical activity regimens. This is largely attributed to a lack of structured exercise counseling, misconceptions about post-operative physical activity, and fear of complications such as heart strain or surgical complications (Bassey et al., 2024). Without proper guidance, many patients either engage in insufficient physical activity, leading to deconditioning, or attempt excessive exercise, which can result in complications.
Nurses, who are often the primary point of contact for patients during recovery, have the potential to bridge this gap through effective exercise counseling. However, the extent to which nurse-led counseling improves fitness levels in post-cardiac surgery patients in Cross River State remains unclear. If exercise counseling is found to be effective, it could serve as a vital component of post-operative care protocols, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
This study will focus on post-cardiac surgery patients in selected healthcare facilities in Cross River State. It will assess the impact of nurse-led exercise counseling on patient fitness levels and adherence to prescribed physical activity programs.
Limitations may include variations in individual patient recovery rates, availability of exercise facilities, and differences in baseline health conditions. Additionally, patients' personal motivation and socioeconomic factors may influence adherence to exercise regimens.
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