2023-07-12 12:08:32
Good Physical Fitness Reduces Complications After Surgery, Study Shows
A recent study conducted by the University of Otago in New Zealand has found that good physical fitness can significantly reduce the occurrence of complications after surgery. The study also revealed that just four to six weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can make a world of difference for individuals preparing for planned surgical procedures.
The study, which appeared in the journal Surgery, evaluated 12 previous studies involving 832 patients who engaged in HIIT before their surgeries. During the training sessions, participants went through short but intense stress phases followed by recovery phases. These intensity phases were performed at approximately 80 percent of the maximum heart rate.
According to Kari Clifford, the lead researcher of the study, participants undergoing various major surgeries, including liver, lung, and intestinal surgeries, as well as urological and major abdominal surgeries, were included in the study. The average age of participants in the training group was 66 years, while those in the control group, who did not undergo any training before the operation, had an average age of 67 years.
“We have found that high-intensity interval training is safe and effective for surgical patients,” says Clifford. “It can significantly improve a patient’s fitness within four to six weeks, which reduces complications after the operation and the length of stay in the hospital.”
Complications after surgery occur in approximately 30 percent of patients, and in elderly frail patients, the number can reach up to 50 percent. However, the study results showed that training before the procedure can reduce the risk by 56 percent. Additionally, the average length of hospital stays decreased by three days.
The positive effects observed were attributed to the improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness, which measures a person’s endurance capacity. This improvement signifies how well the body can absorb oxygen under stress and provide it to the muscles for energy production. The training showed a significant improvement in this value compared to the standard surgical care group, indicating a lower risk of complications after surgery.
Even a training duration of just four weeks can lead to a significant improvement in the outcome of the operation. Clifford emphasizes that the benefits of training are substantial for all patient groups.
Moving forward, the researchers aim to investigate the most effective and cost-efficient ways to implement pre-operative training programs. They are considering options such as training with at-home instructions or publicly funded offers for group sessions. The study authors believe that the financing of such programs could lead to long-term cost savings by reducing the expenses associated with surgical complications and subsequent hospital stays.
The researchers also emphasize that improving fitness does not have to wait until surgery is imminent. “It’s never too late to improve fitness because it really makes a difference to the overall outcome of a surgical procedure,” says Clifford.]
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