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Physical Activity and Physical Function in Individuals Post-bariatric Surgery

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Abstract

Background

A better understanding of the physical activity behavior of individuals who undergo bariatric surgery will enable the development of effective post-surgical exercise guidelines and interventions to enhance weight loss outcomes. This study characterized the physical activity profile and physical function of 40 subjects 2–5 years post-bariatric surgery and examined the association between physical activity, physical function, and weight loss after surgery.

Methods

Moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) was assessed with the BodyMedia SenseWear® Pro (SWPro) armband, and physical function (PF) was measured using the physical function subscale of the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey instrument (SF-36PF). Height and weight were measured.

Results

Percent of excess weight loss (%EWL) was associated with MVPA (r = 0.44, p = 0.01) and PF (r = 0.38, p = 0.02); MVPA was not associated with PF (r = 0.24, p = 0.14). Regression analysis demonstrated that MVPA was associated with %EWL (β = 0.38, t = 2.43, p = 0.02). Subjects who participated in ≥150 min/week of MVPA had a greater %EWL (68.2 ± 19, p = 0.01) than those who participated in <150 min/week (52.5 ± 17.4).

Conclusions

Results suggest that subjects are capable of performing most mobility activities. However, the lack of an association between PF and MVPA suggests that a higher level of PF does not necessarily correspond to a higher level of MVPA participation. Thus, the barriers to adoption of a more physically active lifestyle may not be fully explained by the subjects’ physical limitations. Further understanding of this relationship is needed for the development of post-surgical weight loss guidelines and interventions.

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Acknowledgments

This research was partially supported by a student research grant to Dr. Josbeno from the University of Pittsburgh School of Education and School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Research Development Fund. Additional support for collection and processing of data using the SenseWear Pro armband was provided by the University of Pittsburgh Obesity and Nutrition Research Center awarded to Dr. Jakicic by the National Institutes of Health (P30 DK042404).

Disclosures

J. M. J. received research grant from BodyMedia Inc. This funding is not supporting this research. J. M. J reports serving as a consultant for Proctor & Gamble and UPMC Health Plan and is on the advisory board for Free & Clear.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physical Therapy, University of Pittsburgh, 6035 Forbes Tower, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA

    Deborah A. Josbeno & Patrick J. Sparto

  2. Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA

    Melissa Kalarchian

  3. Department of Health and Physical Activity, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA

    Amy D. Otto & John M. Jakicic

Authors
  1. Deborah A. Josbeno
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  2. Melissa Kalarchian
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  3. Patrick J. Sparto
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  4. Amy D. Otto
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  5. John M. Jakicic
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Correspondence to Deborah A. Josbeno.

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Josbeno, D.A., Kalarchian, M., Sparto, P.J. et al. Physical Activity and Physical Function in Individuals Post-bariatric Surgery. OBES SURG 21, 1243–1249 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-010-0327-4

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