Health action process approach, the effect of a model exercise intervention on muscle strength and somatic function in patients with sarcopenic gastrointestinal tumors

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the effects of an exercise intervention based on a healthy action process orientation model (Health Action Process Approach, [HAPA]) on muscle strength and body function in middle-aged and elderly patients with gastrointestinal tumors. Methods: A control group (52 patients) and an intervention group (52 patients) from the North China University of Science and Technology were selected. The control group received routine perioperative exercise instructions, whereas the intervention group received a perioperative exercise regimen for middle-aged and elderly patients with gastrointestinal tumor sarcopenia based on the HAPA. Differences in muscle strength and somatic function were compared between the two groups. Results: Fifty-two patients in the control group and 50 in the intervention group completed the study. No significant difference was observed between grip strength in the intervention group and time or interaction effects (P<0.05). Body function score (short physical performance battery) was not significantly different between groups, but the time effect was significant (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed in the psoas muscle index before (P>0.05) and after the intervention (P<0.001) in the control group. Conclusion: A perioperative exercise regimen based on the HAPA model could increase muscle strength and body function in middle-aged and elderly patients with gastrointestinal tumors and delay the progression of sarcopenia.