HCTM Physiotherapy Unit Makes Its Mark at MATCVS 2026

The Surgical and Critical Care Discipline of the HCTM Physiotherapy Unit, led by Dr. Katijjahbe Md Ali, continues to demonstrate excellence in advancing innovative post-sternotomy rehabilitation care. Through strategic collaboration with the Cardiothoracic Surgery Unit (Department of Surgery) and the Cardiorespiratory Rehabilitation Unit (Heart and Lung Centre), the team has successfully introduced innovative, evidence-based rehabilitation protocols.

At the 26th Annual Congress of the Malaysian Association of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (MATCVS 2026) held recently at Sheraton Petaling Jaya, the team presented preliminary findings from a prospective, randomized controlled Phase II and III pilot study evaluating the effectiveness of Early Supervised Incremental Resistance Training (ESpIRiT) following sternotomy.

Challenging Traditional Practice via the ‘Physio-Fast-Track’ Program Through the Physio-Fast-Track Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, the team pioneered the integration of upper-limb resistance training as early as 4 ± 1 days post-sternotomy. Guided by individual patient assessments—including pain tolerance, functional status, and sternal micromotion ultrasound imaging—this approach enables early, unrestricted upper-limb recovery pathways across both inpatient (Phase 1) and outpatient (Phase 2) settings.

This innovation challenges traditional restrictive protocols by enabling patients to return to work within 4 to 6 weeks post-surgery, without increasing the risk of sternal complications or wound infections.

Academic and Research Recognition The unit’s commitment to translational research was recognized with top honors in the Young Investigator Award (YIA) and Free Paper Presentation (Allied Health) categories at MATCVS 2026:

• 1st Place – Young Investigator Award (YIA): Suriah Ahmad (Rehabilitation Officer U9)
  Study: “Early Resistance Exercise in the Inpatient Setting Optimises Upper Limb Recovery (ESPIRIT): A Randomised Controlled Trial.”
• 2nd Place – Young Investigator Award (YIA): Pn. Nurdiyana Ismail (Rehabilitation Officer U10)
  Study: “Impact of Early Supervised Incremental Resistance Training (ESPIRIT) on Psychological Recovery Following Cardiac Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial with Three-Month Follow-Up.”
• 3rd Place – Young Investigator Award (YIA): Suriah Ahmad (Rehabilitation Officer U9)
  Study: “Clinical Validation of the Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise Test to Evaluate Functional Recovery Trajectories After Median Sternotomy: A Multi-Centre Observational Study.”
• 3rd Place – Free Paper Presentation (Allied Health): Dr. Katijjahbe binti Md Ali, Ph.D (U12)
  Study: “Safety and Feasibility of Early Supervised Incremental Resistance Training Following Median Sternotomy: Preliminary Findings from a Randomised Controlled Trial.”

Multidisciplinary Synergy and Professional Growth Co-led by Assoc. Prof. Dato’ Dr. Nur Ayub Md Ali and Dr. Katijjahbe Md Ali, this translational research underscores the impact of multidisciplinary collaboration in acute patient care, reinforcing HCTM’s role as a teaching hospital bridging education, research, and clinical practice.

To ensure continuous expertise development, the discipline is also pioneering the Advanced Professional Certificate in Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiotherapy—an initiative set to enhance professional competence, empower patients, and drive cardiorespiratory physiotherapy into a highly impactful era.

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