The Impact of an Exercise Program on Health‑related Quality of Life (SarQoL) in Patients with Preoperative Sarcopenic Obesity After Bariatric Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background Sarcopenia, a condition characterized by a decrease in muscle mass and strength, is very common in patients with obesity and can be aggravated by bariatric surgery. This can potentially compromise the clinical results of surgery. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a structured exercise program on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of individuals with sarcopenia after bariatric surgery, as evaluated by the Sarcopenia Quality of Life (SarQoL) questionnaire. By determining the effectiveness of exercise interventions, this research aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for improving the quality of life in this population. Methods Patients who were candidates for surgery were recruited for the EXPOBAR program and were randomized into experimental and control groups. All participants underwent gastric bypass surgery (RYGB). After surgery, the patients in the intervention group were included in a structured physical exercise program that lasted 16 weeks. This included combined aerobic and resistance exercise. Outcomes, including body composition and physical fitness parameters, were measured before and after the intervention. Results The baseline characteristics of the participants were not significantly different between the two groups. All patients met the criteria for moderate/severe obesity and the ESPEN/EASO criteria for sarcopenia, namely, reduced muscle strength assessed by grip strength and reduced muscle mass assessed by the ASMM score/weight. After completing the study proto- col, patients in both groups had increased HRQoL, but the increase was significantly greater in the intervention group than in the control group. Conclusion Our findings suggest that exercise is crucial in improving both physical and psychological well-being in post- bariatric patients, highlighting the need to integrate structured exercise programs in post-surgery care. This study is part of a prospective randomized study registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05289219).