The physical activity of patients after herniated lumbar disc surgery

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the level of pain, disability, performance, and physical activity changes in patients who underwent lumbar disc hernia surgery.

METHODS: This study included 31 patients who underwent lumbar disc hernia surgery in the Neurosurgery Department of Dokuz Eylul University Hospital, Izmir, Turkey over a 13-month period from April 2003 to May 2004. Changes in the patients’ pain were determined using a visual analog scale, and disability changes were evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index. Total times for the following performance tests were recorded: rolling from right to left and vice versa, loaded reach, repeated sitting/standing, 50-foot walk, and 5-min walk. The Compendium of Physical Activities questionnaire was used to assess physical activity levels in a 24-hour period. The assessments were performed 2, 4, and 6 months postoperatively.

RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in the pain, disability, performance, and physical activity levels 2, 4, and 6 months postoperatively (p=0.000), with the worst values at 2 months and the best at 6 months.

CONCLUSION: A need exists not only to direct patients toward more active lifestyles and physical fitness, but also to use assessments to accelerate the recovery period, ensuring continuity in the postoperative period.