ABCDEF pulmonary rehabilitation program can improve the mid-term lung function of lung cancer patients after thoracoscopic surgery: A randomized controlled study

•Pulmonary rehabilitation has no obvious effect on lung function in early period.•ABCDEF pulmonary rehabilitation program could improve mid-term lung function.•Pulmonary rehabilitation can reduce the incidence of postoperative complications.•Square dancing may improve compliance with pulmonary rehabilitation program. Background Pulmonary rehabilitation is recommended for most patients with lung diseases. However, some previous studies have shown that pulmonary rehabilitation has no obvious effect on short-term lung function in patients with lung cancer. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the ABCDEF pulmonary rehabilitation program on lung cancer patients who have undergone surgery. Design This was a randomized controlled trial with repeated measures. Settings The study was conducted in the Cardiothoracic Surgery Department of a 4000-bed comprising training and research hospital from 2019 to 2020. Participants A total of 90 patients who underwent thoracoscopic pneumonectomy were divided into two groups of 45, using a completely randomized model. Methods Patients in the experimental group participated in an ABCDEF program (Acapella positive vibration pressure training, breathing exercise, cycling training, dance in the square, education, and follow-up) after surgery. In contrast, the regular care provided to the control group focused on breathing and expectoration guidance. The study outcomes were the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio, 6 min walking distance, Borg score, incidence of postoperative complications, length of indwelling chest tube, and length of postoperative stay. Generalized estimating equation models were used to compare the changes in the outcomes between the groups over time. Results The ABCDEF pulmonary rehabilitation program for patients who underwent thoracoscopic pneumonectomy was found to be more effective in increasing lung function at 3 months after discharge (p0.05). Exercise tolerance was different at both time points (p