Effect of postoperative physical training on activity after curative surgery for non-small cell lung cancer: a multicentre randomised controlled trial

Lung cancer is the second most common cause of cancer related death in males and females in the UK (2009), and accounts for 13% of all new cases of cancer. Fourteen percent of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receive surgical intervention. Curative surgical resection for lung cancer aims to extend survival; however, patients may be concerned about the risks of disability associated with surgery, with studies showing reduced exercise tolerance postoperatively. 

The present study tested the hypothesis that a combined hospital plus home exercise programme (home component unsupervised) would enhance physical activity 4 weeks after surgery in patients undergoing curative surgery for NSCLC. 

In conclusion, the majority of patients undergoing NSCLC surgery will recover their pre-operative exercise tolerance levels 4 weeks after surgery, provided that there are no post operative complications and they receive a good standard of usual care. However, a postdischarge home walking programme may provide additional benefit for patients with airflow obstruction undergoing NSCLC surgery > From: Arbane et al., Physiotherapy 100 (2014) 100–107. All rights reserved to Elsevier Ltd. 

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