Effects of exercise programs in individuals with severe obesity scheduled for undergoing bariatric surgery: a quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Rapid weight reduction and improved physical fitness are essential for individuals with severe obesity who undergo bariatric surgery in helping surgeons to operate with fewer complications. However, there is limited evidence regarding the structure exercise programs combined with dietary control in these individuals. Therefore, this study proposed exercise programs, and assessed the feasibility and effectiveness of a short-duration exercise and dietary control program on weight reduction and physical fitness in 10 individuals with severe obesity preparing for bariatric surgery. Participants who were diagnosed with severe obesity (body mass index 54.4 ± 10.7 kg/m²) and were scheduled for bariatric surgery involved in the 2-week exercise program with the outcome measurement before and after the program. The exercise program consisted of stretching, weight training, and cardiovascular exercise, 60–90 minutes per session for a total of 10 sessions with a physical therapist closely supervising, encouraging, and monitoring the sessions to ensure safety. Concurrently, all participants followed a calorie-restricted diet of 500–800 kcal/day. The findings were compared using the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test The results demonstrated the significant bodyweight reduction (-5.84 ± 2.09 kg, -4 ± 1.3%) with physical fitness improvement, including handgrip strength (3.50 kg), the five times sit-to-stand test (-2.48 s), the chair sit-and-reach test (7.50 cm), and the 1-minute step test (8.5 repetitions) (p < 0.01). The findings suggest the clinical benefit of 2-week exercise programs in individuals with severe obesity scheduled for undergoing bariatric surgery.