Little effect of physical training on body composition and nutritional intake following colorectal surgery - a randomised placebo-controlled trial

Objective: Postoperatively patients have a reduction in nutritional intake and body weight. We studied the effect of postoperative physical training on nutritional intake and body composition. Methods: Patients >= 60 y admitted for elective colorectal surgery were randomised to train muscular strength ( group A) or to nonstrengthening exercises ( group B) for 3 months. Fat mass ( FM) and lean body mass (LBM) were assessed with bioimpedance preoperatively, 7, 30, and 90 days postoperatively. Nutritional intake was registered in a subpopulation. Results: Of 119 included patients, 60 were randomised to group A and 59 to B. The changes in LBM at postoperative day 7 were a mean (s. d.) of 0.4 (2.1) kg in group A compared to - 0.7 (2.0) kg in B. The difference between groups of 1.2 (0.5) kg at day 7 was statistically significant ( P = 0.03). At no other time was observed difference between groups in weight, LBM, or FM. The energy and protein intake rose during postoperative day 1 - 7 and rose further after discharge. At no time were differences between groups. Conclusion: Physical training had little effect on body composition following abdominal surgery. The nutritional intake in well-nourished patients did not increase by training.