Effect of Arm Cycling Exercise on Pulmonary Functions After Colectomy In Elderly

Around 42% of older patients with Chronic Respiratory Disease are considered 'frail', putting them at higher risk of adverse outcomes after surgery. Factors such as poor frailty, high comorbidity, low physical performance, poor nutritional state, or cognitive impairment increase the risk. Postoperative complications, such as pulmonary complications, can lead to increased morbidity, mortality, and hospital stays. Preoperative physiotherapy and exercise interventions have been suggested as preventive solutions. However, many patients undergo emergency surgery, emphasizing the need for strict postoperative care pathways. Exercise interventions, such as upper extremity aerobic exercise, have shown benefits in improving immobilization, oxygen consumption, ventilation, heart rate response, dyspnea, and quality of life. This study aims to investigate the effects of arm cycling on exercise capacity, arterial blood gases, pulmonary functions, diaphragmatic excursion, anxiety, and depression after colectomy in the elderly.