Effects of Physical Exercise Program on Physical Mobility of Patients with Cranial Surgery

Abstract

Objective: This research aimed to study the effects of a physical exercise program on physical mobility in cranial surgery patients. Materials and Methods: The researcher used a quasi-experimental method of surveying 58 patients who had cranial surgery at Siriraj Hospital. The research group was divided into two groups: an experimental group (28 patients) participating in a physical exercise program of patients after cranial surgery, and a control group (30 patients) receiving routine nursing care only. The evaluation of the patients' physical mobility was performed three days after the surgery. Results: Most patients in the research group had an intracranial tumor (86.2%). One day after the surgery, the experimental group had minor pain at the wound site while the control group had moderate pain. Both groups felt discomfort (64.2%) or had muscle stiffness in the neck and shoulder areas (63.3%). Three days after the surgery, at the end of the program, the body movement function of both groups was reduced compared with the preoperative data. However, the experimental group showed better body movement function scores than the control one as the scores of the former were reduced less than those of the latter at p < 0.05. Conclusion: Nurses who provide health care services to patients after cranial surgery should apply the physical exercise program to promote the recovery of the patients' physical mobility.