Background: Anatomical and physiological changes after pneumonectomy impair the cardiorespiratory functions of the patients. Limited studies investigated physical inactivity and quality of life in patients with lung cancer underwent pneumonectomy (LCUP). However, no study investigated upper extremity exercise capacity, yet. 

Aims and objectives: To compare pulmonary function, upper extremity exercise capacity and physical activity level, and quality of life in patients with LCUP and healthy controls was aimed.

Methods: 14 patients with LCUP and 17 controls were compared. Pulmonary function (spirometry), upper extremity exercise capacity (6-minute pegboard and ring test(6-PBRT)), physical activity level (metabolic holter) and quality of life (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC QLQ-C30)) were evaluated.

Results: Patients' pulmonary function and 6-PBRT number of rings (p<0.001), total energy expenditure, physical activity duration, active energy expenditure, average METs and total number of steps were statistically significantly lower and EORTC QLQ-C30 subscale scores were worse compared with controls (p<0.005). According to MET, 100% of patients and 73.33% of controls were sedentary.

Conclusion: Pulmonary function, upper extremity exercise capacity and quality of life were severely impaired, and most of the LCUP patients were physically inactive. Patients have to be evaluated at the earliest stage and included in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation programs in order to improve impairments.