MedPath

Pain, Exercise and Psychological Well-being in Pectus Excavatum

Completed
Conditions
Pectus Excavatum
Interventions
Other: No intervention
Registration Number
NCT02337621
Lead Sponsor
Phoenix Children's Hospital
Brief Summary

Recovery following major surgical procedures can be influenced by both physical (optimization of cardiopulmonary function, pain control, activity) and psychological factors. Physical activity recommendations for post-operative patients is difficult, in part because little is known about the short- and long-term benefits of exercise and mobility on post-operative pain and return to normal functioning.

Detailed Description

Major surgery has a drastic impact on the lives of patients and their families. Often, patients undergoing the Nuss procedure have lingering pain which can complicate recovery. Depending on the nature of the surgery and the severity of disease, this recovery period can be as short as a few days, or it can take several weeks and even months. Few studies have demonstrated the benefit of physical activity and exercise postoperatively on returning to normal function. Additionally, research has suggested that pain and recovery can be influenced by psychological factors.

The investigators will use wireless activity monitors to assess the activity levels of children who undergo major musculoskeletal surgery, specifically the Nuss procedure. The investigators will also evaluate this population for psychological well-being. In this pilot study, the investigators identify goals and objectives which will provide preliminary evidence for physical and psychological recommendations to reduce post-operative pain and improve recovery.

Families will be asked to complete questionnaires at different phases in the surgery (pre-surgery, post bar insertion, post bar removal). Children will be instructed to record any pain they are experiencing as a result of their condition or the surgery at various time points. The activity levels will also be followed over the course of the recovery period.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
6
Inclusion Criteria
  • Children between the ages of 12-18 years that are scheduled to undergo a surgical procedure for the correction of pectus excavatum
Exclusion Criteria
  • History of chronic pain disorders
  • History of major mental illness such as psychosis or bipolar disorder
  • Cognitive impairment significantly below average age and/or grade level
  • Non-English speaking parent or child
  • Unable to obtain and keep access to a cellular phone
  • Loss of wireless electronic activity monitor and refusal to replace to remain in the study

Study & Design

Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Study Design
Not specified
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
pectus excavatum surgical candidatesNo interventionAny person who is eligible to undergo the Nuss procedure for surgical correction of pectus excavatum
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Improvement in pain scoreschange from baseline (2 weeks prior to bar insertion) to post bar removal surgery (3 years, 3 months)

pain diary and self report via questionnaires

Increase in activity level/exercisechange from baseline (2 weeks prior to bar insertion) to post bar removal surgery (3 years, 3 months)

wireless activity monitor and physical therapy notes

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
moodchange from baseline (2 weeks prior to bar insertion) to post bar removal surgery (3 years, 3 months)

child self report and parental report via questionnaires

body imagechange from baseline (2 weeks prior to bar insertion) to post bar removal surgery (3 years, 3 months)

child self report and parental report via modified Y-BOCS ; increased scores mean worse body image

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Phoenix Children's Hospital

🇺🇸

Phoenix, Arizona, United States

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath