Early Remote Rehabilitation to Improve Health of the Elderly After Cardiac Surgery. (RECARD Trial)

An increasing number of older patients undergo heart surgery. Despite seemingly successful outcomes, these vulnerable patients may face prolonged decreased functional capacity, reduced self-efficacy, and impaired quality of life after discharge. Early engagement in physical activity and education plays a key role in health and well-being after heart surgery The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of an app-based exercise program and weekly calls from a physiotherapist in the early stages after open heart surgery. Eligible patients will be randomly assigned to either a control group receiving standard care or an intervention group, which will be introduced to an individually tailored exercise program as an addition to standard care. Follow-up is planned with an out-patient visit six weeks after discharge and a telephone interview six months post-surgery. All participants will undergo assessments at enrollment and during follow-up. Physical performance will be evaluated through physical tests. General well-being, quality of life, self-reported physical activity, and cost-effectiveness of the intervention will be assessed through questionnaires. Muscle health will be examined through blood sampling, CT scans, and muscle biopsies. The primary endpoint is the 30-second Chair Stand Test serving as a measurement of physical function.