Impacts of bariatric surgery on exercise capacity, body composition, pulmonary functions, muscle strength, and physical activity in individuals with obesity: A cross section study

Background: Among multiple therapeutic options of obesity, bariatric surgery (BS) sometimes is the most superior, and effective practical method of weight   loss for obese individuals. Objective: This study aimed to determine impacts of BS on exercise capacity, body composition, pulmonary functions, isometric muscle power, hand grip strength, and physical activity (PA) in patients underwent BS. Materials and methods: Twenty-four patients with BS (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 35) participated in a cross-section study. Exercise capacity, body composition, pulmonary functions, isometric muscle power, strength of hand grip, and PA were measured pre- and post-surgery by three months by using VO₂max, bioelectrical impedance, spirometer, handheld dynamometer, jammar hand grip, and international physical activity questionnaire, respectively. The Wilkson test was used to detect significant differences within a group for non-normal variables whereas the paired t-test was used for normal variables. Results: Show significant reductions in body weight, BMI, fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), hand grip strength and muscle mass (MM), in addition significant improvements in exercise capacity, maximal forced vital capacity, and PA (p-value < 0.05); whereas non-significant differences were obtained in isometric muscle power and pulmonary functions (p-value > 0.05). Conclusion: Lifestyle modifications are the cornerstone for success of all outcome measures of weight loss after BS. Although achieved significant improvements in body composition including FM, percent of fat, FFM and MM; maximal exercise capacity, hand grip strength, and PA after BS, those patients still need for early interventions with individualised rehabilitative training programs to improve their capabilities and general health.