Difference Between Walking Parameters During 6 Min Walk Test Before and After Abdominal Surgery in Colorectal Cancer...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Oncology
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Colorectal cancer necessitates surgical intervention, making pre-surgical fitness assessment crucial.
• Cardiopulmonary exercise testing, including the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), objectively evaluates patient fitness before surgery.
• Assessing cardiorespiratory fitness aids in optimizing surgical outcomes and recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate changes in cardiorespiratory fitness using the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) in colorectal cancer patients before and after surgery.
• To identify factors influencing post-surgical recovery and fitness levels.
• To analyze differences in 6MWT performance based on demographics and body mass index.

Main Methods:

• Seventy-two colorectal cancer patients awaiting surgery participated.
• The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) was administered two days before and seven days after surgery.
• Quality of life and recovery questionnaires were completed pre- and post-operatively.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant differences were observed in walk distance between men and women (p=0.02).
• Patient age correlated significantly with the number of steps taken during the 6MWT (p=0.02).
• Body mass index influenced average and maximal heart rates during the 6MWT (p=0.00 and p=0.04, respectively).

Conclusions:

• Post-operative heart rates during the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) were elevated compared to pre-operative levels.
• Overweight and obese participants exhibited particularly higher heart rates in the post-operative period.
• The 6MWT is a valuable tool for monitoring cardiorespiratory fitness changes following colorectal cancer surgery.