Original Articles
Physiological Characteristics of Surgical Patients With Obesity in Response to the 6-Min Walk Test | |
Dr. Satyendra Prajapati, Dr. Sandeep Shrivastava | |
Aim: This study aimed to assess the physiological characteristics of obese surgical patients in response to the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), evaluating hemodynamic changes, functional capacity, and exertion-related symptoms to understand perioperative risks. Materials and Methods: This observational study included 110 obese patients (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) scheduled for elective surgery. Demographic and clinical characteristics, including comorbidities, lipid profiles, and lifestyle habits, were recorded. The 6MWT was conducted according to American Thoracic Society (ATS) guidelines, measuring pre- and post-test heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), oxygen saturation (SpO₂), respiratory rate (RR), and perceived exertion (Borg Scale). Statistical analysis included paired t-tests and Pearson/Spearman correlations, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: The mean age was 41.21 ± 13.42 years, and 54.55% were female. Hypertension (35.45%), diabetes (25.45%), and obstructive sleep apnea (20.00%) were common comorbidities. HR increased from 88.75 ± 10.34 bpm pre-test to 118.92 ± 12.41 bpm post-test (p < 0.0001), while systolic BP rose from 129.15 ± 10.52 mmHg to 148.32 ± 11.27 mmHg (p < 0.0001). Oxygen saturation declined from 96.54 ± 1.82% to 92.78 ± 2.15% (p < 0.0001), and RR increased from 14.76 ± 1.98 to 18.92 ± 2.35 breaths/min (p < 0.0001). The mean 6MWT distance was 392.25 ± 78.36 meters, with prolonged recovery times (6.34 ± 1.96 minutes). Common symptoms included fatigue (20.91%), dyspnea (18.18%), and leg pain (13.64%). Conclusion: Obese surgical patients demonstrate significant cardiovascular and respiratory responses to exertion, including increased HR, BP, and perceived exertion, along with reduced functional capacity and prolonged recovery times. The high prevalence of fatigue, dyspnea, and musculoskeletal discomfort suggests a need for prehabilitation programs to improve exercise tolerance and perioperative outcomes. |
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