Assessment of Physical Activity Level After One Month of Abdominal Surgery

Abstract

Introduction: Though early ambulation is recommended following major abdominal surgery, presence of surgical drains/devices and the postoperative sequelae of hypotension, nausea, pain, and fatigue mean that achieving early ambulation as recommended is frequently not achieved. Being physically active has been suggested as one way to enhance QoL and well-being. Thus, present study was undertaken to assess the physical activity level in post abdominal surgery patients after 1 month. Methodology: 139 patients (Age 18-59yrs, both genders) who had undergone open abdominal surgery a month back were randomly recruited after their consent. They were interviewed telephonically to assess their physical activity level after one month of abdominal surgery by using international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ). Descriptive statistics by MS Excel was done to analyze gathered data. Result: Most of the study participants were between 49-59 years and males and females were screened in equal proportion. 99% achieved 600MET/ week as assessed by IPAQ. 97% participant had returned to household, job and leisure related work activities. 81% of them were using abdominal binder. Conclusion: 99% of the individuals had moderate physical activity level after one month of abdominal surgery. Key words: Abdominal surgery, postoperative, physical activity, IPAQ, Abdominal Binder