A Real-world Study to Examine the Relationship Between Simple Physical Functioning Tests, Complications and Recovery Following Abdominal Surgery.

Spirometry to measure lung function

Spirometry was performed to obtain the participant's vital capacity, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory pressure in one second ratio and peak expiratory flow rate. The instructions and methods used were as per the American Thoracic Society Guidelines 2005. Testing required participants to perform two different tests, three times each. In the initial test, participants were seated and instructed to inhale as deeply as possible before blowing into the spirometer until they felt they needed to inhale again. The second test required them to be seated and after a maximal inhalation, to exhale as forcefully as they could until they felt the need to inhale again. Results were recorded numerically and as a percentage compared to norms of the same sex, race, age, and height. This data was generated by the spirometer (Vitalograph Model 2120 Hand Held REF 79XXX) post testing.

Time frame: 2-4 weeks pre-operatively

Peak Cough Flow to measure cough strength

This was performed by attaching a naso-oral mask to a peak flow meter (Mini- Wright Peak Flow Meter, Clement Clarke International). Figure 2.5. Participants were requested to inhale maximally, in a seated position, prior to placing the mask over their nose and mouth, and coughing forcefully. This was repeated three times to give numerical scores. The highest score was recorded. New face masks and flow meters were used for each patient. Results were recorded in litres per minute (L/min). The researcher attempted to limit any reliability bias by using standardised instructions and corrections as required.

Time frame: 2-4 weeks pre-operatively

Six Minute Walk Test to measure exercise capacity

This was performed as per the ATS guidelines 2002, as recommended by Biccard 2005. Participants were instructed to walk up and down a thirty-metre distance, over a six-minute period, and each length was recorded. The thirty-metre distance was measured with each metre marked, and the same area used for each test. If they were not at a start or endpoint at the six-minute mark, the distance that they had covered was recorded. Predicted distance was calculated against normative data based on age, sex, weight and height. Participants peak oxygen uptake (VO2Peak) was also calculated as per Ross et al 2010.

Time frame: 2-4 weeks pre-operatively

Thirty Second Sit to Stand Test to measure endurance

Participants were asked to go from a seated to standing position and vice versa, as many times as possible in thirty seconds, without the use of their hands to assist. The same standard height chair (17 inches) was used throughout which was placed against a wall for safety. Participants were instructed by the researcher when to start and stop, using a standard stopwatch. When the clock reached thirty seconds, if they were more than half way to a full stand, this was regarded as a stand.Results were recorded as numerical data.

Time frame: 2-4 weeks pre-operatively

Grip strength.

Grip strength was recorded, using a Baseline hydraulic hand held dynamometer, as a measure of overall physical function, independent of lower limb strength.Participants were asked to squeeze the dynamometer maximally for a period of 3 seconds, the result was recorded and the test repeated twice more. An average of the scores was recorded in pounds (lbs).

Time frame: 2-4 weeks pre-operatively

Change over time in activity levels.

This data was collected by the researcher using the short form International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) which is a self-reported measure of activity levels in the previous seven days (IPAQ Research Committee 2005). The IPAQ incorporates questions relating to vigorous and moderate activities, as-well as walking and sitting time. It uses patient subjective reports to quantify the time spent, if any, doing the previously mentioned activities in the previous week. The patients weekly metabolic equivalents (METS) were then calculated using the formula and descriptors provided in the scoring protocol.Sedentary time was calculated in weekly minutes by multiplying their daily minutes answers by seven.

Time frame: (1) 2-4 weeks pre-operatively, (2) 30 and (3) 60 days post operatively

Changes in perceived recovery over time

Participants were asked to self-assess their own physical recovery using the same questions and classification as used in a study by Onerupp et al 2015.

Time frame: 30 and 60 days post operatively