Background: A meta-analysis examined differences in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) between seekers of surgical and non-surgical treatment, and non-treatment seekers, over and above differences that are explained by weight, age, and gender. Methods: Our literature search focused on the 'Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Lite' (IWQOL-Lite) and the 'Short Form-36' (SF-36) questionnaires. Included were studies published between 1980 and April 2006 providing (pre-treatment) descriptive statistics of adult overweight or (morbid) obese persons. Excluded were elderly and ill patient groups. Results: Fifty-four articles, with a total number of nearly 100.000 participants, met the inclusion criteria. Persons seeking surgical treatment demonstrated the most severely reduced HRQoL. IWQOL-Lite scores showed larger differences between populations than SF-36 scores. After adjustment for weight, the population differences on the IWQOL disappeared. In contrast, the differences on the SF-36 between the surgical treatment seeking population and the other populations were maintained after adjustment for weight. Conclusion: The IWQOL-Lite questionnaire predominantly reflects weight-related HRQoL, whereas the SF-36 mostly reflects generic HRQoL that is determined by both weight and other factors. Our meta-analysis provides reference values that are useful when explicating or evaluating obesity-specific (IWQOL-Lite) or generic (SF-36) HRQoL, weight, and demographic characteristics of obese persons seeking or not seeking surgical or non-surgical treatment.
DOCUMENT
OBJECTIVES: Patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis (OA) may experience functional limitations in work settings. In the Cohort Hip and Cohort Knee study (CHECK) physical function was both self-reported and measured performance-based, using Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE). Relations between self-reported scores on SF-36 and WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Arthritis Index, function scales) and FCE performance were studied, and their diagnostic value for clinicians in predicting observed physical work limitations was assessed.METHODS: Ninety-two subjects scored physical function on SF-36 (scale 0-100, 100 indicating the best health level) and WOMAC (scale 0-68, 68 indicates maximum restriction) and performed the FCE. Correlations were calculated between all scores. Cross-tables were constructed using both questionnaires as diagnostic tests to identify work limitations. Subjects lifting <22.5 kg on the FCE-test 'lifting-low' were labeled as having physical work limitations. Diagnostic aspects at different cut-off scores for both questionnaires were analysed.RESULTS: Statistically significant correlations (Spearman's rho 0.34-0.49) were found between questionnaire scores and lifting and carrying tests. Results of a diagnostic cross-table with cut-off point <60 on SF-36 'physical functioning' were: sensitivity 0.34, specificity 0.97 and positive predictive value (PV+) 0.95. Cut-off point > or =21 on WOMAC 'function' resulted in sensitivity 0.51, specificity 0.88 and PV+ 0.88.CONCLUSION: Low self-reported function scores on SF-36 and WOMAC diagnosed subjects with limitations on the FCE. However, high scores did not guarantee performance without physical work limitations. These results are specific to the tested persons with early OA, in populations with a different prevalence of limitations, different diagnostic values will be found. FCE may be indicated to help clinicians to assess actual work capacity.
DOCUMENT
BACKGROUND: Apart from clinical experience and theoretical considerations, there is a lack of evidence that the level of adherence to in-hospital mobilization protocols is related to functional recovery in patients after resection for lung cancer. The objectives of the study were to determine (1) the relationship between adherence to the in-hospital mobilization protocol and physical fitness at hospital discharge and (2) the value of physical fitness measures at discharge in predicting physical functioning 6 weeks and 3 months postoperatively.METHODS: This observational study included 62 patients who underwent surgical resection for lung cancer. Adherence to the in-hospital mobilization protocol was abstracted from patients' records. Physical fitness measures before the operation and at hospital discharge included handgrip strength, 30-second sit-to-stand test, and 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Self-reported physical functioning was assessed preoperatively and 6 weeks and 3 months postoperatively, using the Medical Outcome Study 36-Item Short Form (SF-36) Physical Function subscale (RAND Corp, Santa Monica, CA). Linear regression analyses were used to estimate the relationships of interest, adjusting for potential confounders.RESULTS: Level of adherence to the mobilization protocol was significantly and independently related to handgrip strength, sit-to-stand test, and 6MWT at discharge. Handgrip strength and 6MWT at discharge significantly predicted SF-36 Physical Function at 6 weeks and 3 months postoperatively. The sit-to-stand test only predicted SF-36 Physical Function at 6 weeks.CONCLUSIONS: Suboptimal postoperative mobilization after surgical resection for lung cancer negatively affects physical fitness at discharge. Our results underline the importance of adherence to early postoperative mobilization protocols. Measuring physical fitness at discharge may be useful to inform clinicians on elective referral of patients for postdischarge rehabilitation.
DOCUMENT
