Effects and Mechanisms of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation on Postoperative Recovery in Orthopedic Surgery

Postoperative complications and delayed rehabilitation in orthopedic surgery pose significant threats to patients' quality of life, underscoring the critical value of evidence-based cardiopulmonary rehabilitation interventions for postoperative recovery. This article systematically explores the effects and mechanisms of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation on orthopedic postoperative recovery, grounded in the physiological interplay between the cardiopulmonary and skeletal systems. Research indicates that cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, through integrated approaches such as aerobic exercise, strength training, and respiratory exercises, significantly enhances cardiorespiratory endurance, improves blood circulation, promotes biomechanical stimulation and metabolic regulation of bone, and optimizes gut microbiota composition, thereby accelerating bone healing, reducing inflammatory responses, and lowering complication risks. From a Western medical perspective, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation enhances cardiopulmonary functional reserve, upregulates PGC1α to suppress inflammatory factor release, and activates signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin to facilitate bone formation. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory emphasizes the synergistic role of the heart and lungs in regulating qi and blood circulation, with "zong qi" (ancestral energy) serving as a pivotal mediator to nourish bones and harmonize yin-yang balance. Clinical practice highlights the need for personalized cardiopulmonary rehabilitation protocols tailored to patient age, comorbidities, and postoperative phases: early-stage interventions prioritize respiratory training and resistance exercises, while progressive aerobic training is introduced in later stages. However, challenges persist, including inconsistent rehabilitation standards and insufficient clinical awareness among healthcare providers. Future efforts should integrate TCM and Western medical theories to establish precision rehabilitation frameworks, validate clinical efficacy, and provide theoretical support for optimizing postoperative orthopedic recovery strategies.