Objective To explore the effect of early goal-directed mobilization on patients after major cardiovascular surgery. Methods From January to August 2019, 38 patients after major cardiovascular surgery were treated as the control group and received routine postoperative physical activity. Forty-two patients admitted between September 2019 and April 2020 were served as the intervention group and were subjected to early goal-directed mobilization program.Results The intervention group had higher muscle strength measured by the MRC score, Barthel index and ICU Mobility Scale score, as well as shorter ICU stay length and hospital stay length compared with the control group (P<0.05，P<0.01). The incidence of delirium was 14.29% in the intervention group and 23.68% in the control group, but showing no significant difference (P>0.05). Conclusion The implementation of early goal-directed mobilization in patients after major cardiovascular surgery can improve their muscle strength, self-care agency and mobility, and shorten the length of ICU stay and hospital stay.