Cycle-ergometer in the Postoperative of Thoracic Surgery

Post-lateral thoracotomies and assisted thoracic surgery (CTVA) are the main surgical approaches for pulmonary resections. One of the counterpoints of these surgical approaches is postoperative pain, which in addition to causing ventilatory changes and reduction of lung capacities, contributes to bed rest and consequent decrease in patients' functionality. These complications increase hospitalization time and hospital costs, being determinant factors for perioperative morbidity and mortality. In order to prevent these outcomes of reduce the functional capacity of patients, new physiotherapeutic approaches have been adopted, such as the use of the cycloergometer. Recent studies show that the early use of this device brings benefits such as: improved blood circulation and venous return, increased muscle strength, improved functional capacity and reduced symptoms of dyspnea and fatigue. This study aims to compare the effect of interval training with continuous cycle ergometer training on performance in the six-minute walk test. Randomized and controlled clinical trial performed with patients submitted to elective thoracic surgery, hospitalized at the intensive care unit (ICU) and in the hospitalization unit of the Hospital Pavilhão Pereira Filho of the Santa Casa de Misericórdia Brotherhood of Porto Alegre. Participants will be randomized into three groups: control group (CG), interval exercise group (GHG) and continuous exercise group (GEC). Functional capacity assessments will be performed through the six-minute walk test (6MWT) and the chair sit and lift (TSL) test in 30 seconds, and evaluation of the clinical state of fatigue through the revised Piper-Fatigue Scale. The evaluations will be performed preoperatively and at hospital discharge.