The effects of core stabilization exercise program in obese people awaiting bariatric surgery: A randomized...

Area of Science:

• Obesity research
• Exercise physiology
• Bariatric surgery preparation

Background:

• Obesity significantly impacts functional capacity, physical fitness, physical activity levels, fatigue, and quality of life.
• Individuals awaiting bariatric surgery often experience these challenges, necessitating effective interventions.
• Current interventions primarily focus on surgical aspects, with less emphasis on pre-operative exercise programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of a core stabilization exercise program (CSEP) combined with physical activity counseling.
• To assess the impact on functional capacity, physical fitness, physical activity, fatigue, and quality of life (QoL).
• To compare these effects in obese individuals scheduled for bariatric surgery.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 21 obese patients awaiting bariatric surgery.
• Patients were assigned to either an 8-week CSEP plus counseling group (n=10) or a counseling-only control group (n=11).
• Functional capacity, physical fitness, physical activity, fatigue, and QoL were measured at baseline and after 8 weeks.

Main Results:

• The exercise group demonstrated significant improvements in functional capacity, physical fitness, physical activity, fatigue, and QoL compared to the control group.
• These improvements were observed after the 8-week intervention period (effect size = 0.40-0.87, p < 0.05).
• No significant changes in body composition were noted between the groups.

Conclusions:

• An 8-week CSEP, when added to physical activity counseling, significantly enhances functional capacity, physical fitness, physical activity, and QoL.
• This combined approach is more effective than counseling alone for obese patients preparing for bariatric surgery.
• Core stabilization exercises represent a valuable component of pre-bariatric surgery preparation.