Introduction: Median sternotomy is the standard surgical approach for many open-heart procedures. In the postoperative period, various movement strategies are used, with more contemporary approaches promoting earlier and safer patient mobilization. Purpose: The aim was to investigate recommended movement strategies and various restrictions in patients who had undergone sternotomy by reviewing existing literature reviews and to compare the results with current European and American guidelines for the management of patients following sternotomy. Methods: A literature search was conducted in the PubMed database and the ResearchGate academic network using the search strategy “sternal precautions AND sternotomy”. Results: Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the literature review included one systematic review with meta-analysis, one systematic review, and five review articles published after 2015. The literature described various movement strategies following median sternotomy, including sternal precautions, modified sternal precautions, and the “keep your move in the tube“ concept. Authors reported different recommendations regarding mobility and lifting restrictions, with mobility restrictions most commonly lasting between 4 and 12 weeks postoperatively and lifting restrictions lasting up to 12 weeks after surgery. The most frequently reported limitations in activities of daily living included transfers, pushing and pulling activities, unilateral and bilateral upper limb restrictions, the use of mobility aids and partial or complete limitations in upper limb use during daily activities. Only a small number of studies addressed the use of external devices for sternal stabilization. The sternal instability scale, ultrasound examination, radiography, and computed tomography were used to assess sternal stability and healing. Discussion and conclusion: The literature review indicates a lack of consistency in recommendations regarding physiotherapeutic management after median sternotomy, particularly in terms of the duration and extent of restrictions. Nevertheless, contemporary approaches are shifting toward less restrictive management that promotes the safe inclusion of patients in daily activities. Further research is still needed to develop more consistent, evidence-based guidelines for physiotherapeutic management.
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