Improvement in Exercise Capacity, Physical Function, and Pulmonary Function in an Older Patient with Lung Cancer through Unsupervised Preoperative Physical Therapy: A Case Report

<p>Introduction: While numerous studies have investigated the benefits of preoperative physical therapy (RPT) for patients undergoing lung resection surgery, most have focused on those between 50 and 75 years of age. This case report reveals the impact of unsupervised preoperative RPT on an 87-year-old patient who demonstrated marked improvement in exercise capacity, physical function, and pulmonary function.</p><p>Case: An 87-year-old woman diagnosed with lung cancer participated in a 7-week home-based RPT program involving endurance, resistance, and respiratory training. Substantial improvements were observed in her 6-minute walking distance (45 meters), Short Physical Performance Battery score (1 point), forced vital capacity (16%), and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (14%). Following RPT, the patient underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery for lung cancer resection. Remarkably, no postoperative pulmonary complications were reported. Although the patient experienced hypoxemia during a 6-minute walking test on postoperative day 5, she was discharged without the need for home oxygen therapy on the postoperative day 6.</p><p>Conclusion: This case suggests that unsupervised preoperative RPT can yield substantial benefits for older patients undergoing lung resection surgery, including improvements in exercise capacity, physical function, and pulmonary function.</p>