Factors influencing physical activity engagement following coronary artery bypass graft surgery: A mixed methods systematic review

Background: Engagement in physical activity during the initial months following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is important in order to improve health, quality of life and functional outcomes. There are, however, many potential barriers to physical activity engagement during the recovery period. No review studies have focused on barriers and facilitators to engagement in physical activity during the early stages of recovery following CABG surgery.

Objective: To explore the factors that influence engagement in physical activity during the first three months following CABG surgery.

Methods: Four electronic databases were searched. Extracted data from selected studies were synthesised using the Joanna Briggs Institute convergent integrated approach.

Results: Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Four main themes that influenced engagement were identified: sociodemographic variables; physical symptoms; psychosocial factors; and environmental factors. More barriers were identified than facilitating factors. Psychosocial factors were the most commonly reported barriers in the literature.

Conclusions: The findings of this review provide insights into factors that inhibit and facilitate engagement in physical activity following CABG surgery. Further research specifically exploring factors that influence engagement, especially facilitators, is required.