Changes in motor function and quality of life after surgery in patients with pancreatic cancer

Objective To determine the changes in motor function and health‐related quality of life after pancreatectomy and identify factors influencing postoperative physical functioning in health‐related quality of life. Methods This single‐centre, prospective, observational study measured 6‐min walking distance, grip strength, knee extension strength and health‐related quality of life variables in patients with pancreatic cancer, before and after surgery. Paired t‐ and Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests were used to compare pre‐ and postoperative motor function and health‐related quality‐of‐life variables. Factors associated with postoperative physical functioning scores of health‐related quality of life were assessed using multiple regression analysis. Results Fifty‐nine individuals were enrolled. Motor function values decreased significantly postoperatively, including 6‐min walking distance (mean ± standard deviation: 402.5 ± 95.4 vs. 497.7 ± 80.4 m, p