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Changes in cardiorespiratory and muscle function associated with the development of postoperative fatigue
M R Zeiderman1, E A Welchew, R G Clark
1University Department of Surgery, Sheffield, UK.
The British Journal of Surgery
|May 1, 1990
Summary
Postoperative fatigue increases after surgery, likely due to central factors, not peripheral muscle changes. Reduced muscular efficiency and higher energy demands may hinder patient mobilization and recovery.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Surgical Rehabilitation
Background:
- Postoperative fatigue impacts patient recovery and rehabilitation.
- Understanding fatigue's origins is crucial for improving outcomes after surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the factors contributing to postoperative fatigue.
- To differentiate between central and peripheral causes of fatigue.
- To assess changes in cardiorespiratory function and muscular efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Studied 12 patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery before and after operation.
- Measured subjective fatigue and objective muscle fatigue (adductor pollicis) via ulnar nerve stimulation.
- Assessed cardiorespiratory function and muscular efficiency at rest and during treadmill exercise.
Main Results:
- Patients reported increased fatigue postoperatively.
- No significant change in peripheral muscle fatigue was observed.
- Muscular efficiency decreased significantly (34% to 22%), with increased energy expenditure during exercise.
Conclusions:
- Postoperative fatigue appears to have a significant central component.
- Reduced muscular efficiency and increased cardiorespiratory effort may limit post-surgical mobilization.
- These physiological changes likely contribute to the subjective feeling of fatigue after surgery.