title: The effects of preoperative short-term intense physical therapy in lung cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We planned to investigate the effect of preoperative short period intensive physical therapy on lung functions, gas-exchange, and capacity of diffusion, and ventilation-perfusion distribution of patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty patients with lung cancer, who were deemed operable, were randomly allocated into two groups. Intensive physical therapy was performed in patients in the study group before operation. Both groups received routine physical therapy after operation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no difference in pulmonary function tests between the two groups. Intensive physical therapy statistically significantly increased peripheral blood oxygen saturation. At least one complication was noted in 5 patients (16.7%) in the control group, and 2 (6.7%), in the study group. However, there was no statistically significant difference (p = 0,4). The hospital stay has been found to be statistically significantly shortened by intensive physical therapy (p <0.001). Ventilation-perfusion distribution was found to be significantly effected by intensive physical therapy. The change was prominent in the the contralateral lung (p <0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Intensive physical therapy appeared to increase oxygen saturation, reduce hospital stay, and change the ventilation/perfusion distribution. It had a significant, positive effect on the exercise capacity of patients.
authors: Chest Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, Yedikule Teaching Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors: Esra
authors: E
authors: Pehlivan
authors: Akif
authors: A
authors: Turna
authors: Atilla
authors: A
authors: Gurses
authors: Hulya Nilgun
authors: HN
authors: Gurses
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001784:Blood Gas Analysis; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005080:Exercise Test; D017079:Exercise Tolerance; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008168:Lung / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D020360:Neoadjuvant Therapy; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; D055420:Perfusion Imaging; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011013:Pneumonectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D011653:Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity; D011659:Pulmonary Gas Exchange; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014421:Turkey; D014692:Ventilation-Perfusion Ratio; D014797:Vital Capacity