Use of objectively measured tools (eg, pedometers and accelerometers) accompanied by a questionnaire that can produce data that can be compared across studies, such as step counts, intensity and duration of physical activity.

Capture physical activity behaviour as soon as a patient is placed on a wait list, or in non-elective cases, as soon as possible prior to surgery.

Physical activity should be assessed ideally over a 7-day period.

Physical activity should be assessed by intensity and duration per week and in steps per day.

MACCE should be evaluated as a long-term outcome and defined as death, stroke, myocardial infarction and the need for redo cardiac surgery. Each outcome should be evaluated individually.

30-day postoperative events should be evaluated using the STS checklist10: along with reasons, evaluate unexpected return to the operating room, complications due to pulmonary, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, haematological, urological, infection, neurological and other important miscellaneous outcomes (eg, unexpected admission to ICU, or other events requiring admission to operating room requiring anaesthesia.

Rehospitalisation for any cause after cardiac surgery should also be added to outcomes.

Capture postoperative health-related quality of life, mental health, pain and cardiac symptoms using validated tools within the first 30 days and at least 1 year postoperatively.

Use multivariate analysis, including logistic or linear regression, or analysis of variance statistical procedures. Ensure that a power analysis is conducted prior to conducting the study.