Changes in motor function and quality of life after surgery in patients with pancreatic cancer

Objective To determine the changes in motor function and health-related quality of life after pancreatectomy and identify factors influencing postoperative physical functioning in health-related quality of life. Methods This single-centre, prospective, observational study measured 6-min walking distance, grip strength, knee extension strength and health-related quality of life variables in patients with pancreatic cancer, before and after surgery. Paired t- and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to compare pre- and postoperative motor function and health-related quality-of-life variables. Factors associated with postoperative physical functioning scores of health-related quality of life were assessed using multiple regression analysis. Results Fifty-nine individuals were enrolled. Motor function values decreased significantly postoperatively, including 6-min walking distance (mean +/- standard deviation: 402.5 +/- 95.4 vs. 497.7 +/- 80.4 m, p < 0.001), knee extensor strength (0.42 +/- 0.10 vs. 0.47 +/- 0.10 kgf/kg, p < 0.001) and grip strength (22.0 +/- 8.9 vs. 24.5 +/- 9.2 kg, p = 0.001). Multiple regression analysis showed significant association between 6-min walking distance change and postoperative physical functioning scores of health-related quality of life (p = 0.036). Conclusion The results suggest that motor function decreases postoperatively, and a decrease in 6-min walking distance after surgery is associated with postoperative physical functioning in patients with pancreatic cancer.