NCT07441863

Structured Pulmonary Physiotherapy After Lung Cancer Surgery by Age Group

Age-Related Effects of a Structured Postoperative Pulmonary Physiotherapy Program After Lung Cancer Surgery: A Prospective Interventional Study

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (actual)
• Sponsor: Bezmialem Vakif University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 45 Years – 90 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This prospective, single-arm interventional study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured postoperative pulmonary physiotherapy program delivered by the research team in patients undergoing lung cancer surgery. The intervention consists of chest physiotherapy, bronchial hygiene techniques, early mobilization, and postural exercises applied under physiotherapist supervision during the postoperative hospital stay. The primary outcome is length of hospital stay. Secondary outcomes include blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, fatigue, and dyspnea levels. Clinical outcomes will be analyzed according to age groups (45-59 years and 60-90 years) to determine potential age-related differences in response to the intervention.

Detailed description

This interventional study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured pulmonary physiotherapy program applied after lung cancer surgery across different age groups. Patients aged 45 years and older undergoing lung resection will be included and categorized into two age groups (45-60 years and ≥60 years) for subgroup analysis. The structured postoperative pulmonary physiotherapy program is initiated in the early postoperative period and continued until hospital discharge. The program includes chest physiotherapy techniques, early mobilization, postural exercises, and incentive spirometry training. The intervention is delivered once daily under physiotherapist supervision, and participants are instructed to continue prescribed breathing, incentive spirometry, and mobilization exercises independently during the afternoon and evening sessions. The primary outcome measure is length of hospital stay. Secondary outcomes include postoperative pain assessed by Visual Analog Scale (VAS), dyspnea and fatigue assessed by Borg scale, oxygen saturation, hemodynamic parameters, and inflammatory and biochemical markers including C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), albumin, prealbumin, creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Clinical, physiological, and biochemical outcomes are assessed from the early postoperative period until hospital discharge. The study further aims to explore potential differences in treatment response between predefined age groups. No randomization or control group is included, as all participants receive the same structured physiotherapy intervention.

Conditions

• Lung Cancer
• Postoperative Pulmonary Complications

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Structured Postoperative Pulmonary Physiotherapy Program	The structured postoperative pulmonary physiotherapy program is delivered by the research team during the hospital stay following lung cancer surgery. The intervention is applied according to a standardized protocol and includes supervised chest physiotherapy techniques (deep breathing exercises, thoracic expansion exercises, airway clearance techniques, and incentive spirometry), early mobilization (progressive sitting, standing, and ambulation), and postural exercises. The program is administered once daily under physiotherapist supervision. In addition, participants are instructed to continue the prescribed breathing, incentive spirometry, and mobilization exercises independently during the afternoon and evening sessions. The intervention is initiated in the early postoperative period and continues until hospital discharge.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-06-01
• Primary completion: 2026-03-02
• Completion: 2026-03-02
• First posted: 2026-03-02
• Last updated: 2026-03-11

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)