Cardiac Rehabilitation Early after Sternotomy Using New Assistive VR-Enhanced Robotic Exoskeleton—Study Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial

(1) Background and objective: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) means delivering health education by structured exercises with the means of risk reduction, in a cost-effective manner. Well-conducted CR improves functional capacity, decreases re-hospitalization, and reduces mortality up to 25%. We bring to attention the protocol of a randomised control trial with the aim of validating the prototype of an assistive upper-body robotic exoskeleton system enhanced with a non-immersive virtual reality exergame (CardioVR-ReTone) in patients who undergone cardiac surgery. (2) Methods: Description of the CardioVR-ReTone system and the technical specification, followed by the group selection, randomization and evaluated variables. (3) Expected results: The primary outcome measurement is the modification of life quality at the end of the CR exercise training program. Secondary outcomes will encompass measurements of sternal stability, muscular activity, cardiac response to exercise, pain level and compliance/adherence to CR. (4) Conclusions: Implementing these novel features of the CardioVR-ReTone system, addressability, and efficacy of CR, so problematic in certain situations and especially in cardiac surgery, will be greatly facilitated, being independent of the skills and availability of the rehabilitation therapist.