Self-reported physical activity and lung function two months after cardiac surgery – a prospective cohort study

Abstract

BackgroundPhysical activity has well-established positive health-related effects. Sedentary behaviour has been associated with postoperative complications and mortality after cardiac surgery. Patients undergoing cardiac surgery often suffer from impaired lung function postoperatively. The association between physical activity and lung function in cardiac surgery patients has not previously been reported.MethodsPatients undergoing cardiac surgery were followed up two months postoperatively. Physical activity was assessed on a four-category scale (sedentary, moderate activity, moderate regular exercise, and regular activity and exercise), modified from the Swedish National Institute of Public Health’s national survey. Formal lung function testing was performed preoperatively and two months postoperatively.ResultsThe sample included 283 patients (82% male). Two months after surgery, the level of physical activity had increased (p < 0.001) in the whole sample. Patients who remained active or increased their level of physical activity had significantly better recovery of lung function than patients who remained sedentary or had decreased their level of activity postoperatively in terms of vital capacity (94 ± 11% of preoperative value vs. 91 ± 9%; p = 0.03), inspiratory capacity (94 ± 14% vs. 88 ± 19%; p = 0.008), and total lung capacity (96 ± 11% vs. 90 ± 11%; p = 0.01).ConclusionsAn increased level of physical activity, compared to preoperative level, was reported as early as two months after surgery. Our data shows that there could be a significant association between physical activity and recovery of lung function after cardiac surgery. The relationship between objectively measured physical activity and postoperative pulmonary recovery needs to be further examined to verify these results.

Lifestyle intervention and one‐year prognosis of patients following open heart surgery: a randomised clinical trial

“…It is also associated with best recovery of lung function (Jonsson et al . ). In the present work participants who received lifestyle counselling were almost three‐times more likely to achieve the optimal for age and health status physical activity level, within one year after heart surgery, giving an optimistic note for engaging even patients with severe disease in physical activities.…”

Pulmonary function and health-related quality of life 1-year follow up after cardiac surgery

“…Physical activity is beneficial in both the prevention and treatment of patients with ischaemic heart disease, and patients undergoing CABG have demonstrated improved functional capacity 2 years after surgery [ 25 ]. We have previously presented positive effects in pulmonary function in more physically active cardiac surgery patients [ 3 ].…”

“…Postoperative care, early mobilization, physiotherapy interventions and cardiac rehabilitation programs are aimed at supporting the recovery course following cardiac surgery and reducing the negative impact of surgery. Even though an increased level of physical activity compared to preoperative level has been reported as early as 2 months after surgery, pulmonary function is still not restored at this point [ 3 ]. Impairment of pulmonary function has been described up to 4–6 months after cardiac surgery [ 4 , 5 ].…”

The Effect of Postoperative Mobilization with a Pedometer on Pulmonary Functions and Length of Postoperative Hospital Stay in Patients Undergoing Lung Resection: Cross-Sectional Study

“…26 Jonson et al reported that FEV 1 and FVC scores did not differ between active and sedentary patients 2 months after cardiac surgery. 12 In a meta-analysis with the sample consisting of patients undergoing lung resection, it was reported that exercise training improved exercise capacity but had no effect on FEV 1 values. 27 Although studies show no positive effect on lung capacity in the early postoperative period, the effect of physical activity on body health is obvious, and it is important to encourage patients by healthcare professionals in the early postoperative period.…”

“…6,10,11 However, studies revealing the effect of postoperative physical activity on early lung capacity are limited. 12 This study aims to determine the effect of postoperative mobilization with a pedometer on pulmonary functions and length of postoperative hospital stay in patients undergoing lung resection and secondarily to evaluate the effect of pedometer use on patient satisfaction.…”