Table 3.

Sternal precautions recommended for the healing period during the first postoperative weeks after cardiac surgery.

Patients are not allowed to use:	n (%)
their arms to push up from a lying to a sitting position	5 (17%)
their arms to push up from sitting to standing	28 (97%)
their stomach muscles to raise themselves from a lying to a sitting position	12 (41%)
their arms and shoulders, using full active movement	1 (3%)
their arms and shoulders, using full active movement with 1-2 kg weights	12 (41%)
a rollator (rolling walker)	1 (3%)
a walker	0 (0%)
crutches	19 (66%)

Data shown as number (n) and as % of respondents (n = 29).