Early Exercise Through Telerehabilitation After Bariatric Surgery: Is It Feasible?

• Published in: Obesity surgery Vol. 34; no. 6; pp. 2101 - 2110
• Main Authors: Pino-Zúñiga, Johanna, Olivares, Mariela, Muñoz, Giselle, Boza, Camilo, Duque, Camilo, Cancino-López, Jorge
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01-06-2024; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Adult; Bariatric Surgery - rehabilitation; Exercise; Exercise Therapy - methods; Feasibility Studies; Female; Gastrointestinal surgery; Humans; Male; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Middle Aged; Obesity, Morbid - psychology; Obesity, Morbid - surgery; Original Contributions; Patient Satisfaction; Recovery (Medical); Rehabilitation; Surgery; Surveys and Questionnaires; Telemedicine; Telerehabilitation; Telerehabilitation; Feasibility; Safety; Early exercise; Bariatric surgery
• ISSN: 0960-8923; 1708-0428
• DOI: 10.1007/s11695-024-07185-6

Purpose
The feasibility of early telerehabilitation after bariatric surgery is unknown. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and perception of engaging in the online exercise protocol in patients during the first month after bariatric surgery.
Material and Methods
A total of 67 patients, enrolled in a telerehabilitation program following bariatric surgery, completed a survey assessing their perception of the intensity, discomfort, and safety during exercise sessions.
Results
Forty percent of participants began exercising between 5 and 10 days after surgery. Seventy-one percent of patients did not experience discomfort during the first month of exercise, and those who reported discomfort mainly mentioned dizziness and abdominal pain. No significant differences were found in the presence of discomfort among different types of surgeries performed. There was a significant difference in the presence of discomfort between patients who started exercising before and after 15 days of surgery, with less discomfort reported in the group that started after 15 days. Ninety-eight percent of patients felt safe during online exercise sessions. Most participants perceived the intensity of the sessions as moderate. The most frequently mentioned benefits of exercise were increased energy, mood, and feeling more active.
Conclusion
Telerehabilitation conducted during the first month after bariatric surgery was feasible and well tolerated by patients, providing a safe alternative for those patients who face difficulties with in-person interventions.
Graphical Abstract