Effect of adherence to the 2-day postoperative walking-protocol in patients undergoing lung cancer surgery on the number of days required for walking independence and the length of postoperative hospital stay

• Published in: Journal of respiratory physical therapy Vol. 4; no. 1; pp. 21 - 31
• Main Authors: 木戸 孝史, 奥野 将太, 白土 健吾, 川満 謙太, 安田 学
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: Japanese Society of Respiratory Physical Therapy 21.03.2025; 一般社団法人 日本呼吸理学療法学会
• Subjects: 周術期; 早期退院; 歩行プロトコル; 肺癌; 術後理学療法
• ISSN: 2436-7966
• DOI: 10.51116/kokyurigakuryohogaku.4.1_21

Objective: This study aimed to investigate whether adherence to the 2-day postoperative walking-protocol at our hospital for patients undergoing lung cancer surgery affects the number of days required for walking independence and the length of postoperative hospital stay.Methods: The study included consecutive patients who underwent lobectomy for primary lung cancer in our chest surgery department between April 2019 and July 2022. Patients were divided into two groups based on their adherence to walking distances of 30 meters on the first postoperative day and 300 meters on the second postoperative day. We performed multiple regression analysis to determine the impact of adherence to the 2-day postoperative walking-protocol on the number of days required for walking independence and the length of postoperative hospital stay.Results: Of the 157 subjects, 98 (62.4%) were in the adherence group. Multiple regression analysis showed that adherence to the 2-day postoperative walking-protocol was an independent factor in reducing the number of days required for walking independence (β=－0.94, 95%CI: －1.54 to －0.33, p=0.003) and the length of postoperative hospital stay (β=－1.18, 95%CI: －2.23 to －0.13, p=0.028).Conclusion: Adherence to the 2-day postoperative walking-protocol may support earlier discharge and be a significant guideline when considering postoperative physiotherapy and perioperative care.