Expert-based physical activity guidelines for metabolic and bariatric surgery patients: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Patients undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) can improve outcomes through a physically active lifestyle. Despite ongoing research, clinical recommendations for physical activity (PA) are not fully developed. For this review, 39 articles representing 24 randomized clinical trials satisfied inclusion criteria. The PA interventions utilized in these trials, the expertise of the multidisciplinary research team, and the general principles of strength and conditioning were considered in the creation of the following 12 PA recommendations: 1) Begin PA intervention pre-MBS; 2) Unless contraindicated, walk short distances the day of the surgery; 3) Progressively increase movement through activities of daily living during the first month postoperatively; 4) Avoid prolonged sitting and adopt lifestyle routines that decrease sedentary time; 5) Slowly progress to 150–300 minutes of accumulated moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise/week; 6) In addition to walking, gradually increase structured PA through a variety of activities; 7) Delay water exercise until surgical wounds have healed, around 4 weeks postoperatively; 8) Begin full body resistance training (RT) 4–6 weeks post-MBS on 2 noncontinuous d/wk; 9) Delay high-intensity PA and abdominal exercises for 8–12 weeks; 10) Have periodic assessments of strength and cardiovascular fitness to evaluate progress; 11) Continue long-term monitoring with exercise professionals in the context of health; and 12) Consult with a registered dietitian to optimize nutrition alongside changes in PA.