@article {JonssonP493, author = {Marcus Jonsson and Elisabeth Westerdahl}, title = {Physical activity promotes pulmonary recovery after cardiac surgery}, volume = {40}, number = {Suppl 56}, elocation-id = {P493}, year = {2012}, publisher = {European Respiratory Society}, abstract = {IntroductionIt is well known that physical activity has substantial impact on general health and mortality. Benefits of physical activity have been reported for patients after cardiac surgery. Patients undergoing cardiac surgery have reduced lung function postoperatively and often suffer from postoperative pulmonary complications.No studies have been published where the relationship between physical activity and lung function after cardiac surgery has been investigated.AimTo test the hypothesis that physical activity is positively correlated with pulmonary recovery, the relationship between postoperative self-reported physical activity and lung function, two months after cardiac surgery, was investigated.MethodsIn a prospective cohort study, a sample of 76 patients undergoing cardiac surgery between 2007 and 2009, was followed up two months after cardiac surgery. Physical activity level was quantified using a categorical question on physical activity at work and during leisure time. Lung function was measured by spirometry. The measurements were made preoperatively and 2 months postoperatively.ResultTwo months postoperatively the patients had increased their self-reported level of physical activity. Patients with a higher level of physical activity showed a significantly better recovery of lung function two months after cardiac surgery (VC 95 \% {\textpm} 11 vs 91 \% {\textpm} 7 (p = 0,043) and FEV1 93 \% {\textpm} 8 vs 89 \% {\textpm} 6 (p = 0,008)) compared to patients reporting low physical activity.ConclusionA higher level of physical activity, during the first two months after cardiac surgery is associated with a better recovery of lung function, compared to being less active or sedentary.}, issn = {0903-1936}, URL = {https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/40/Suppl_56/P493}, eprint = {https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/40/Suppl_56/P493.full.pdf}, journal = {European Respiratory Journal} }