Pulmonary function and physical performance outcomes with preoperative physical therapy in upper abdominal surgery: a randomized controlled trial

37 patients undergoing upper abdominal surgery were randomized to receive pre-operative physical therapy, involving respiratory and global exercise, 2-3 weeks before surgery, or no therapy. The results showed that intervention group had higher inspiratory strength and respiratory muscle endurance than the control pre and postoperatively. After the seventh post-operative day the intervention group also was superior in functional independence score, 6-minute walk test, and had fewer pulmonary complications.