Effect of Bariatric Surgery on Physical Activity, Gait, Flexibility and Quality of Life

Participants's support times of gait were evaluated by a wearable sensor. The wearable sensor is named BTS G-Walk sensor (BTS Bioengineering S.p.A.,Italy) and was attached L4-5 region by a belt. The data were transferred by Bluetooth connection to software while participants' walking.

Participants's step lengths of gait were evaluated by a wearable sensor. The wearable sensor is named BTS G-Walk sensor (BTS Bioengineering S.p.A.,Italy) and was attached L4-5 region by a belt. The data were transferred by Bluetooth connection to software while participants' walking.

Physical activity levels were evaluated by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire- Short Form. This form include seven questions. With these questions, it is possible to obtain information about the time individuals spend in walking, moderate and vigorous activities and also time spent sitting. As a result of the calculations, the level of physical activity is divided into three groups. These groups are as follows: Less than 600 metabolic equivalent-minute inactive; between 600-3000 metabolic equivalent-minute are minimum active; more than 3000 metabolic equivalent-minute are very active.

The flexibility of the lumbar extensors, hamstrings and gastrocsoleus muscle group was evaluated with the Sit-to-Sit Test. Individuals were asked to sit in a long sitting position, hold their feet in 90 degrees dorsiflexion and reach for their toes with their hands without bending their knees. The test was repeated three times and the mean value was recorded. Positive values were used if this value reached beyond the toes. Higher positive values indicate better flexibility.

Flexibility in the Rectus Femoris and Iliopsoas muscles evaluated with "Modified Thomas Test". While bringing her hip to maximum flexion with her hands, she was asked to lower the extremity to be tested towards the ground. Measurements were repeated 3 times for each extremity and these values were average was taken. Measurements were made with a goniometer. Higher values indicate better flexibility.

Popliteal angle measurement was used for hamstring shortness. The measurement was performed with the participants in supine position with the goniometer zeroed to the anterolateral half of the tibia and the hip stabilized at 90 degrees of flexion. The average of two measurements taken five seconds apart was taken. Values above 20 degrees were considered as hamstring shortness.

The Impact of Weight on Quality of Life Questionnaire (IWQOL) was used to assess the participants' quality of life. The scale includes questions on bodily functions, self-esteem, sexual life, social pressure and work. The minimum score that can be obtained from the scale consisting of 31 items in total is 0 and the maximum score is 100. A lower score indicates a lower quality of life.