Structured Physiotherapy Program in Obese and Non-obese Patients

METHODS Study participants and data collection The Research Ethics Committee of Jazan University, Saudi Arabia gave its approval to this study (Ref No: 05/JUREC/14PT.2020). Prior to participation, each participant signed an informed consent form. All experiments were carried out in line with the Helsinki Declaration. A prospective study was conducted on 50 consecutive individuals (26 obese, 24 non-obese). People aged 70 years or older, or who had any orthopedic or neurological difficulties were excluded from the trial. People were informed about the trial and consented in writing. Following enrollment, participants were placed into two groups according to their BMI. Participants in Group A were obese, defined as having a BMI of > 30 to \< 35 kg/m2. Participants in Group B were non-obese, defined as having a BMI of > 25 to \< 29.9 kg/m2.

Subjective ratings and spirometry data were taken at baseline. All spirometry tests were performed in the sitting position using the Vitalograph 2120 in accordance with established guidelines. At least three times, the readings were taken, and the best result was used. A posttest spirometry was performed on day 4 and 7 postoperatively. A six-minute walk (6-MWT) test was conducted at baseline and on day 7 postoperatively. Patients were advised to walk back and forth on the walking path at their own pace for 6-MWT. They were given six minutes to cover as much ground as possible. When 4 and 2 minutes remained in the test, prompts were offered. We utilized the following standardized prompt: "You're down to the final two (or four) minutes. You are doing an excellent job. You may accelerate or decelerate at any time, maintain the same pace, or take a break if necessary. Simply attempt to travel as much distance as possible in the remaining time. You are doing an excellent job." After six minutes, the participant's total distance traveled was recorded, along with a Borg dyspnea scale rating. A qualified physical therapist administered a structured physiotherapy program from day 1 to day 7 in both groups.

Statistical analysis The descriptive variables are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. The effect of physiotherapy program on pulmonary function and 6-MWT was assessed using an independent t-test. To estimate the percentage increase or decrease of pulmonary function and distance during 6-MWT for obese and non-obese groups, the percent difference between baseline and posttest data was calculated and compared using an independent t-test. When the normality test failed, the Mann Whitney U test and analysis of variance on rank were used. Chi-square test was used for gender distribution. The results were considered statistically significant if p ≤ 0.05. Statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, Windows version-17.0, SPSS Chicago. IL, USA).