Physical Fitness and Physical Activity in Swedish Women before and one Year after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery

Abstract

Abstract:Introduction: Obesity is associated with a sedentary life style, which has a negative impact on physical fitness.Aim: To investigate physical fitness, physical activity level and time spent sitting in Swedish women before and one year after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery (LRYGB).Method: Thirty-seven women (age: 41.2±9.6 years and Body Mass Index (BMI): 42±6.5 kg/m 2 ) were tested before and one year after LRYGB. (BMI: 30.5±5.8 kg/m 2 ). Physical fitness was assessed using the six minute walk test (6MWT), and three muscular endurance and one handgrip test. Physical activity level and sitting time were assessed using the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).Results: One year after surgery the mean distance walked during 6MWT increased from 532 m to 599 m (p=<0.001) and the muscular endurance was significantly improved (p 0.016), while no statistical significant difference was found in grip force compared to pre-operatively. After surgery, the women walked significantly more minutes/week (p=0.018) and increased their level of moderate (p=0.039) and vigorous (p=0.033) physical activity, but there were no significant differences in sitting time (p=0.206) compared to preoperatively. Conclusions:The physical activity level as well as physical fitness increased while grip strength remained same in Swedish women one year after LRYGB, compared to before surgery. The improved physical fitness and the considerable weight loss are important factors in reducing the risk of developing lifestyle associated diseases and risk of premature death in this group of women. But even if both physical activity and physical fitness increased at group level one year after LRYGB, some individuals still needed to be more physically active and to enhance the physical fitness level. These patients might benefit from physiotherapy to be able to be more physically active.

Changes in physical activity behaviour and physical function after bariatric surgery: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…The majority of studies were performed in the USA , with five conducted in the Netherlands and four in Brazil . The types of bariatric surgery received by participants varied between studies, but the two main surgery types were Roux‐en‐y gastric bypass (29 studies) and gastric banding (8 studies) . Fourteen studies reported a physical activity outcome , 30 reported a physical function outcome and six reported both physical function and physical activity data .…”

“…All studies assessing cardiovascular endurance outcomes reported improvements post‐surgery (Table ). These included 20 tests of walking performance (treadmill exercise test, fastest possible walking speed, walking speed, walking minutes per week, 6‐min‐walk test [6MWT], 4‐m‐walk time, walking energy expenditure) and two of cycle ergometer endurance . Meta‐analysis based on 11 studies showed an increase in walking performance at 3–6 months (SMD: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.57 to 1.06), with a heterogeneity score of I 2 = 43% (Fig.…”

“…The Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire was used in three studies, but a further 12 other tools were reported across the remaining 14 studies. These provide a range of outcome data based on minutes of activity , energy expenditure , points on a scale , questionnaire specific scoring or percentage of active participants . Consistent use of a validated assessment tool across studies would allow meaningful comparisons of physical activity behaviour in this population.…”

Meta-analysis of the effect of bariatric surgery on physical function

“…Thirty studies with a total of 1779 patients were identified as suitable for meta‐analysis of the effect of bariatric surgery on physical function. Objective measurement of physical function was undertaken in 21 of the 30 studies, and nine studies employed self‐reporting by patients.…”

“… Table S1 Characteristics of studies included in the meta‐analysis of physical function before and after bariatric surgery Table S2 Characteristics of studies excluded from the meta‐analysis of physical function before and after bariatric surgery Table S3 Assessment of risk of bias in studies included in the meta‐analysis of physical function before and after bariatric surgery …”