A randomized trial comparing two interventions to increase physical activity among patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

OBJECTIVE

To test the effectiveness of two levels of physical activity interventions before and up to 6½ months after bariatric surgery.

METHODS

Before surgery, individuals completed submaximal exercise testing on a treadmill. After random assignment to standard care, pedometer use, or exercise counseling plus pedometer, participants wore an accelerometer for approximately 2 weeks and returned it to the bariatric center before surgery and 2, 4, and 6 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Individuals in exercise counseling plus pedometer had higher steps per day and bout minutes of exercise per week than standard care and pedometer use over the course of the study. There were no group differences related to exercise tolerance; however, all groups made significant improvement. There was no statistically significant change in sedentary or light activity nor was there a difference between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Exercise counseling using pedometers increases physical activity from the perioperative period to 6½ months after surgery, but providing pedometers without professional feedback may not be more effective than standard bariatric surgery treatments. Rapid weight loss increases exercise tolerance and may mask the fitness improvements achieved through a modest physical activity intervention during the first 6 months after bariatric surgery.