Exercise Capacity, Pulmonary Function and Physical Activity Levels in Patients With Lung Cancer Undergoing Pneumonectomy

Brief Summary

Detailed Description

Pneumonectomy is a high risk surgical procedure compared to lobectomy, segmentectomy and non-anatomical resection. Pneumonectomy causes impairment of respiratory functions and exercise intolerance. Assessment of exercise capacity in pneumonectomy is prognostically important. Exercise intolerance can also occur with daily activities using the upper extremity. There is no study investigated upper extremity exercise capacity in this patient population. Postoperative pulmonary functions are determinant for early postoperative results as well as long-term postoperative quality of life. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate respiratory functions in patients after surgery. Respiratory muscle functions are impaired due to changes in chest wall mechanics and incisions applied to respiratory muscles after surgery. There is no study investigated respiratory muscle endurance in this patient population. Pneumonectomy is associated with decreased physical activity and quality of life. The number of studies investigating physical activity level in lung cancer patients undergoing pneumonectomy is limited. In this study, physical activity level will be evaluated by metabolic holter. Pneumonectomy has been shown as a predictor of deterioration in quality of life after surgery. In this study, the quality of life will be evaluated using a questionnaire specific to the disease. Fatigue is a common symptom in patients after lung cancer surgery. It negatively affects the patients quality of life and long-term prognosis. Lung cancer patients undergoing pneumonectomy by the physicians of Gazi University Thoracic Surgery Department and healthy individuals will be included in this study. Patients and healthy individuals will be evaluated and the evaluation results will be compared. According to the sample size analysis 17 patients and 17 healthy individuals with similar demographic characteristics will be included the study. Patients and healthy individuals will be selected according to predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The assessments will be completed in two days. Functional exercise capacity (6 minutes walk test), upper extremity exercise capacity (6 minutes Pegboard and Ring Test), respiratory functions (spirometer), respiratory muscle strength (mouth pressure measurement), peripheral muscle strength (dynamometer), respiratory muscle endurance (incremental threshold loading test), physical activity level (multi-sensor activity monitor), quality of life (European Cancer Research and Treatment Organization Quality of Life Scale (EORTC QOL C-30)), fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale) and shortness of breath (Modified Medical Research Council (MMRC)) will be evaluated.

Primary Outcomes

Secondary Outcomes

• Peripheral Muscle Strength(Second Day)
• Respiratory Muscle Strength(First Day)
• Respiratory Muscle Endurance(First Day)
• Physical Activity Level(Second Day)
• Disease Specific Quality of Life(Second Day)
• Fatigue(Second Day)
• Shortness of breath(First Day)