Our Summary

This research study developed a home-based rehabilitation app for patients who have undergone lung surgery and tested its effectiveness. The app, called Fit 4 Surgery, includes ten exercises that patients were asked to do for at least three minutes each. The data from these exercises was then sent back to the researchers for analysis. This was compared to a group of patients who attended in-person rehabilitation classes for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

The results showed that patients using the app started their rehabilitation sooner after surgery and completed more sessions than those attending the classes. They also improved their walking test distance before surgery. Feedback from patients about the app was also collected and analyzed.

The conclusion from this study is that a home-based rehabilitation app can provide benefits to lung surgery patients and could be a viable alternative to in-person classes. However, more clinical trials need to be conducted to confirm these results.

FAQs

  1. What is the Fit 4 Surgery app developed for in this research study?
  2. How does the effectiveness of the Fit 4 Surgery app compare to in-person rehabilitation classes for lung surgery patients?
  3. What is the conclusion of the study regarding the use of home-based rehabilitation apps for lung surgery patients?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give to a patient undergoing lung surgery is to stay active and participate in a structured rehabilitation program, whether it be in-person classes or using a home-based app like Fit 4 Surgery. Regular physical activity can help improve lung function, increase endurance, and speed up recovery after surgery. It is important to follow the guidance of your healthcare team and stay consistent with your exercises to see the best results. Remember to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard, but also challenge yourself to gradually increase your exercise intensity as you progress in your recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who have undergone lung surgery, such as lobectomy, pneumonectomy, or lung transplant, are typically recommended for lung surgery. These patients may have conditions such as lung cancer, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or pulmonary fibrosis that require surgical intervention. Lung surgery may be recommended to remove tumors, repair damage to the lungs, or improve lung function.

Patients who undergo lung surgery may experience decreased lung function, reduced exercise capacity, and difficulty breathing. Rehabilitation following lung surgery is important to help patients regain lung function, improve exercise tolerance, and enhance their overall quality of life. Home-based rehabilitation apps, like Fit 4 Surgery, can provide a convenient and effective way for patients to engage in rehabilitation exercises and track their progress.

Overall, lung surgery patients who may benefit from home-based rehabilitation apps include those looking to improve their lung function, exercise capacity, and overall quality of life following surgery.

Timeline

Timeline of a patient’s experience before and after lung surgery:

Before surgery:

  • Patient is diagnosed with a lung condition that requires surgery
  • Patient meets with their healthcare team to discuss the surgery and prepare for the procedure
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and evaluations
  • Patient may undergo prehabilitation exercises to improve lung function and overall health before surgery

After surgery:

  • Patient undergoes lung surgery
  • Patient is monitored in the hospital post-surgery for recovery and to manage pain
  • Patient may receive physical therapy to help with mobility and breathing exercises
  • Patient is discharged from the hospital and continues recovery at home
  • Patient may experience pain, fatigue, and difficulty breathing as they recover
  • Patient attends follow-up appointments with their healthcare team to monitor progress and address any complications
  • Patient may undergo rehabilitation exercises to improve lung function and overall health post-surgery

Overall, the recovery timeline for a patient after lung surgery can vary depending on the type of surgery performed and the individual’s overall health. It is important for patients to follow their healthcare team’s recommendations and attend follow-up appointments to ensure a successful recovery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about lung surgery include:

  1. Can I use a home-based rehabilitation app like Fit 4 Surgery after my surgery?
  2. How soon after my surgery can I start rehabilitation exercises?
  3. What specific exercises should I be doing to aid in my recovery?
  4. Will using a home-based app be as effective as attending in-person rehabilitation classes?
  5. How often should I be doing these exercises each day?
  6. What should I do if I experience any pain or discomfort while doing the exercises?
  7. Are there any specific goals or milestones I should be aiming for during my rehabilitation?
  8. How will my progress be monitored and evaluated throughout the rehabilitation process?
  9. Are there any specific precautions or guidelines I should follow while using the app?
  10. Will I have access to support or assistance if I have any questions or concerns while using the app?

Reference

Authors: Kadiri SB, Kerr AP, Oswald NK, Budacan AM, Flanagan S, Golby C, Lightfoot S, Naidu B. Journal: J Cardiothorac Surg. 2019 Jul 5;14(1):132. doi: 10.1186/s13019-019-0951-6. PMID: 31277671