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Patterns of Change in Device-Based Physical Activity and Sedentary Time Following Bariatric Surgery: a Longitudinal Observational Study

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study is to investigate changes in physical activity (PA) and sedentary time (ST) over 12 months following bariatric surgery.

Methods

Pre-surgery and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-surgery, wearable devices were used to measure PA at different intensities, grouped according to energy expenditure and daily step count, and ST. Measures were also collected of weight and self-efficacy for exercise. Pre- and 12 months post-surgery, measures were collected of body composition and cardiovascular fitness.

Results

Thirty adults scheduled for bariatric surgery were recruited (20 females, 44.1 [range, 22.0 to 65.0] years, body mass index 39.6 [range, 30.9 to 50.9] kg/m2). When compared to pre-surgery measures, over the 12 months post-surgery, there were no changes in the percentage of waking hours (mean [95% CI]) spent in ST (− 2% [− 6 to 3]), light intensity PA (1% [− 3 to 5]), and moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (1% [− 1 to 3]). At all time points, participants spent most (> 70%) of their waking hours accumulating ST, with little time spent in light intensity PA (~ 21%) and almost no time in moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (~ 5%). Step count and cardiovascular fitness were also unchanged. There were significant changes in weight, self-efficacy for exercise, and body composition.

Conclusions

Although bariatric surgery resulted in substantial weight loss and improved self-efficacy for exercise, it was insufficient to effect change in PA, ST or cardiovascular fitness. Complementing surgical intervention with behavioral interventions may optimize change in PA and ST.

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Funding

Juliana Zabatiero was funded by a Curtin Strategic International Research Scholarship.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, 6845, Australia

    Juliana Zabatiero, Anne Smith, Daniel F. Gucciardi & Kylie Hill

  2. Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia

    Jeffrey M. Hamdorf AM & Susan F. Taylor

  3. Western Surgical Health, Nedlands, WA, Australia

    Jeffrey M. Hamdorf AM & Susan F. Taylor

  4. Institute for Respiratory Health, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia

    Kylie Hill

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  1. Juliana Zabatiero
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  2. Anne Smith
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  4. Jeffrey M. Hamdorf AM
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  5. Susan F. Taylor
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Correspondence to Juliana Zabatiero.

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Highlights

• Device-based physical activity and sedentary time do not change post-surgery

• The majority of waking hours were spent accumulating sedentary time

• Little time was spent in light or moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity

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Zabatiero, J., Smith, A., Gucciardi, D.F. et al. Patterns of Change in Device-Based Physical Activity and Sedentary Time Following Bariatric Surgery: a Longitudinal Observational Study. OBES SURG 31, 3015–3025 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-021-05337-6

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