Cardiothoracic & vascular anesthesia
Preoperative Rectus Femoris Muscle Characteristics as Predictors of Postoperative Walking Ability in Elderly Cardiac Surgery Patients: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors' conclusion
The preoperative measurement of cross-sectional area and echo intensity of the quadriceps muscles can be used as a predictor of postoperative 6-minute walk distance in elderly patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
Study context
- Population
- Elective cardiac surgery patients aged ≥65 years
- Participants
- 109 patients
- Outcome
- 6-minute walk distance after cardiac surgery
Methodological detailssingle-centre, university hospital
- Single-centre
- University hospital
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
6-minute walk distance at discharge · discharge
- Higher rectus femoris cross-sectional area and lower echo intensity (ultrasound) associated with significantly longer 6-minute walk distance at discharge
- Multiple regression analysis
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
- Higher muscle mass and lower echo intensity significantly associated with shorter hospital LOS
Original publication
Preoperative Rectus Femoris Muscle Characteristics as Predictors of Postoperative Walking Ability in Elderly Cardiac Surgery Patients: A Prospective Observational Study. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. Published 5 August 2025. doi:10.
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