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NCT Number: NCT07647822

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

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.

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Key information

Conditions

VATS Anxiety Disorders Kinesiophobia Mental Disorders Phobic Disorders Thoracic Surgery Thoracotomy

Age range

18 year–75 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

HAcettepe University

Ankara, Altındağ, 06100, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

  1. Kinesiophobia

    Time frame: Early postoperative period, after chest tube removal and before hospital discharge, approximately postoperative days 2-10

    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.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Functional Capacity

    Time frame: Early postoperative period, after chest tube removal and before hospital discharge, approximately postoperative days 2-10

    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.

  2. Pain Level

    Time frame: Early postoperative period, after chest tube removal and before hospital discharge, approximately postoperative days 2-10

    Pain will be evaluated using the McGill-Melzack Pain Questionnaire, which assesses pain location, quality, temporal characteristics, and intensity.

  3. Dyspnea

    Time frame: Early postoperative period, after chest tube removal and before hospital discharge, approximately postoperative days 2-10

    Dyspnea severity will be assessed using the Modified Borg Scale, a 0-10 category-ratio scale, with higher scores indicating greater perceived dyspnea.

  4. Fatigue

    Time frame: Early postoperative period, after chest tube removal and before hospital discharge, approximately postoperative days 2-10

    Fatigue severity will be assessed using the Modified Borg Scale, a 0-10 category-ratio scale, with higher scores indicating greater perceived fatigue.

  5. Coronavirus-related Anxiety

    Time frame: Early postoperative period, after chest tube removal and before hospital discharge, approximately postoperative days 2-10

    Coronavirus-related anxiety will be assessed using the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale Short Form.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Hacettepe University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

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

Important dates

Study start
2021
Primary completion
2022
Study completion
2022
First posted
Jun 15, 2026
Registry last updated
Jun 15, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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