Preserving pulmonary function and functional capacity in children undergoing open abdominal surgery: A one group pretest–posttest, quasiexperimental pilot trial

The aim of this trial was to determine the effects of Preoperative physiotherapy education (POPE) and Postoperative physiotherapy (POP) maintaining pulmonary function and functional capacity in children undergoing open abdominal surgery. A total of eight children aged, 5–17 years old posted for open abdominal surgery received POPE and POP. Spirometry, 10 m walk test (10mWT), timed up and go test (TUGT) and chest expansion were taken preoperatively and postoperatively on day one and five. Six minute walk test (6MWT), and Nine stair climbing test (9SCT) were taken preoperatively and postoperatively on day five. No statistical significant difference were noted in FVC, FEV1, PEFR, FEV1/FVC Ratio, chest expansion levels and Borg scale but in TUGT, 10mWT, 6MWT and 9SCT significant difference was noted. Effect size were calculated and post hoc power analysis revealed that the power of the study is >90%. POPE might have positive effects in preserving pulmonary function and functional capacity. Treatment study. Level II.