Upper extremity functional exercise capacity, muscle oxygenation, respiratory muscle strength, and physical activity levels in patients underwent pneumonectomy for lung cancer: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: Anatomical and physiological changes impair pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, and physical activity in patients who underwent pneumonectomy for lung cancer (LC). No study investigated upper extremity exercise capacity and muscle oxygenation in these patients. The main objective of the study was to compare the long-term upper extremity exercise capacity and muscle oxygenation; the secondary objective was to assess pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength and endurance, and physical activity levels in patients who underwent pneumonectomy for LC and healthy individuals.

METHODS

Nineteen patients who underwent pneumonectomy for LC and 19 healthy controls were included. Pulmonary function (spirometry), upper extremity functional exercise capacity (6-min pegboard and ring test (6-PBRT)), muscle oxygenation (near-infrared spectroscopy), respiratory muscle strength (maximal inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory (MEP) pressures) and endurance (incremental threshold loading), and physical activity (activity monitor) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Patients' pulmonary function, 6-PBRT score, muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2), MIP, MEP, and respiratory muscle endurance were lower (p < 0.05) than controls. While the patients' deltoid muscle resting and recovery SmO2 decreased, the total hemoglobin levels were similar in groups. Patients' total active energy expenditure, physical activity duration, average METs, and number of steps were lower than controls (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Upper extremity functional exercise capacity and muscle oxygenation are impaired in patients who underwent pneumonectomy for LC. Pulmonary function and physical activity levels are decreased. Inspiratory and expiratory muscles are weakened, and respiratory muscle endurance is reduced. It is crucial to evaluate patients in the early postoperative period and to incorporate cardiopulmonary rehabilitation to improve these severe impairments. It is recommended that the effects of upper extremity exercise training be investigated.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT04807153/19.03.2021.