Physical Activity and Quality of Life After Distal Femur Tumor Resection and Limb Salvage

Background/Objectives: Distal femur tumor resection with limb salvage is a demanding procedure that offers hope for patients by preserving the limb rather than opting for amputation. While limb salvage can improve both physical function and psychological well-being, there's limited knowledge on how active patients remain afterward and how their Quality of Life (QoL) is affected, especially regarding physical activities and sports. This study investigates the quality of life of the patients through the development of motor activity, focusing on both physical and sporting activity of the above-mentioned individuals and their physical abilities to participate in activities of daily and sporting life after surgery. Methods: This study involved 16 patients aged 19-47 years who had undergone surgical resection and replacement of the distal femur for the treatment of sarcoma and were selected by random sampling from a total of 72 patients who had undergone a similar procedure. To explore the topic in depth, the researchers followed the triangulation method. From July 2023 to February 2024, we used surveys and interviews to explore their physical activity (PA) levels, sports participation, and QoL. This study included the International Physical Activity (PA) Questionnaire (IPAQ), the University of California and Los Angeles (UCLA) Activity Score, and semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed using the statistical software packages SPSS 25 and Excel. Results: Most participants reported moderate to high levels of PA, according to IPAQ, and continued engaging in sports, with swimming, walking, and stair climbing being the most common activities. No significant relationship was found between their PA levels and factors such as age, BMI, or the side of the affected limb. Interviews showed that patients' motivation and their surgeon's guidance played key roles in their return to regular activities, though many exercised less frequently or intensely than recommended. Conclusions: Patients who undergo limb salvage surgery following distal femur tumor removal generally maintain a good level of physical activity, which supports their QoL. Encouraging these patients to stay active and even engage in sports appears feasible, especially when guided by medical professionals. These findings highlight the potential benefits of tailored rehab programs to improve long-term health and QoL in sarcoma survivors, although larger studies are needed for more comprehensive insights.