Comparison of Early Postoperative Functional Capacity and Kinesiophobia in Patients Undergoing Thoracic Surgery Via Thoracotomy or VATS

Comparison of Early Postoperative Functional Capacity, Kinesiophobia, Pain, Dyspnea, Fatigue, and Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Thoracic Surgery Via Thoracotomy or Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery

This observational cross-sectional study aims to compare early postoperative functional capacity and kinesiophobia in patients undergoing thoracic surgery via thoracotomy or video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). Patients aged 18-75 years who underwent thoracic surgery and agreed to participate will be evaluated during the early postoperative period, after chest tube removal and before hospital discharge.

Functional capacity will be assessed using the 1-minute sit-to-stand test. Kinesiophobia will be evaluated using the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia. Pain, dyspnea, fatigue, and coronavirus-related anxiety will also be assessed using validated scales and questionnaires. The study will investigate the relationship between kinesiophobia and postoperative functional and symptom-related outcomes.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Thoracotomy; Thoracic Surgery; VATS; Kinesiophobia

Detailed Description

Thoracic surgical procedures may lead to postoperative pain, reduced mobility, impaired functional capacity, and fear of movement. Thoracotomy involves opening the chest wall and is associated with greater surgical trauma, whereas video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is a minimally invasive surgical approach performed through smaller incisions without rib spreading. VATS is generally associated with lower morbidity, shorter hospital stay, and earlier return to physical activity.

Kinesiophobia, defined as an excessive and irrational fear of movement or re-injury, may negatively affect postoperative recovery and rehabilitation participation. Although kinesiophobia has been widely investigated in musculoskeletal and chronic pain conditions, there is limited evidence regarding its role after thoracic surgery.

The aim of this study is to evaluate early postoperative functional capacity, kinesiophobia, and factors associated with kinesiophobia in patients undergoing thoracic surgery via thoracotomy or VATS. Eligible patients will be assessed in the early postoperative period, after removal of chest tubes and before discharge, corresponding approximately to postoperative days 2-10.

Demographic and clinical data will be recorded. Kinesiophobia will be assessed using the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia. Functional capacity will be evaluated using the 1-minute sit-to-stand test. Pain will be assessed using the McGill-Melzack Pain Questionnaire. Dyspnea and fatigue will be evaluated using the Modified Borg Scale. Coronavirus-related anxiety will be assessed using the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale Short Form.

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Actual): 18

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Turkey (Türkiye)
  • Altındağ
    • Ankara, Altındağ, Turkey (Türkiye), 06100
      • Hacettepe University

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult; Older Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Patients aged 18-75 years who underwent thoracic surgery via thoracotomy or video-assisted thoracic surgery at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Hacettepe University, and agreed to participate in the study.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Undergoing thoracic surgery via thoracotomy or video-assisted thoracic surgery
• Aged between 18 and 75 years
• Volunteering to participate in the study
• Providing informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of cooperation or communication problems that prevent assessment
• History of previous thoracic surgery

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Number of groups / cohorts

2

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
Thoracotomy Group; Patients aged 18-75 years who underwent thoracic surgery via thoracotomy and agreed to participate in the study.
VATS Group; Patients aged 18-75 years who underwent thoracic surgery via video-assisted thoracic surgery and agreed to participate in the study.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Kinesiophobia	Kinesiophobia will be assessed using the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia. The scale consists of 17 items scored on a 4-point Likert scale. Total scores range from 17 to 68, with higher scores indicating greater fear of movement.	Early postoperative period, after chest tube removal and before hospital discharge, approximately postoperative days 2-10

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Functional Capacity	Functional capacity will be assessed using the 1-minute sit-to-stand test. The number of full sit-to-stand repetitions completed in one minute will be recorded.	Early postoperative period, after chest tube removal and before hospital discharge, approximately postoperative days 2-10
Pain Level	Pain will be evaluated using the McGill-Melzack Pain Questionnaire, which assesses pain location, quality, temporal characteristics, and intensity.	Early postoperative period, after chest tube removal and before hospital discharge, approximately postoperative days 2-10
Dyspnea	Dyspnea severity will be assessed using the Modified Borg Scale, a 0-10 category-ratio scale, with higher scores indicating greater perceived dyspnea.	Early postoperative period, after chest tube removal and before hospital discharge, approximately postoperative days 2-10
Fatigue	Fatigue severity will be assessed using the Modified Borg Scale, a 0-10 category-ratio scale, with higher scores indicating greater perceived fatigue.	Early postoperative period, after chest tube removal and before hospital discharge, approximately postoperative days 2-10
Coronavirus-related Anxiety	Coronavirus-related anxiety will be assessed using the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale Short Form.	Early postoperative period, after chest tube removal and before hospital discharge, approximately postoperative days 2-10

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Hacettepe University

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): May 1, 2021
• Primary Completion (Actual): May 1, 2022
• Study Completion (Actual): July 1, 2022

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: June 10, 2026
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: June 10, 2026
• First Posted (Actual): June 15, 2026

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): June 15, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: June 10, 2026
• Last Verified: June 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Mental Disorders; Phobic Disorders; Anxiety Disorders; Kinesiophobia
• Other Study ID Numbers: GO 20/1155

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: UNDECIDED

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No