OAIC Supported Studies
Does Weight Loss following Laparoscopic “Roux-en-Y Gastric bypass Improve Physical Function? (LOSE IT)
Contact: | Phone: |
Gary D. Miller, PhD | 336-758-1901 |
Nearly one in six adults in the United States report having limitations in physical function. That number increases to almost one in two for those over the age of 65 years. Osteoarthritis is the leading cause of impaired function and disability and obesity is a primary risk factor for osteoarthritis, especially in weight-bearing joints. Previous research has shown that a mild-to-moderate weight loss intervention in conjunction with a structured exercise program improves physical function and lessens pain in obese older adults with knee osteoarthritis. Whether more intensive weight loss provides similar benefits as mild weight loss in a younger cohort with impaired function is not known. The purpose of this pilot study is to examine physical function in obese individuals with a BMI > 35.0 kg/m2 following treatment for obesity using laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. It is hypothesized that the greater weight loss associated with this treatment modality will improve physical function. The primary aim to address this hypothesis is to determine self-reported physical function and performance on physical function tasks as a result of weight loss from obesity surgery. Additionally, secondary aims include examination of the effects of the surgery and follow-up on: 1) body composition; 2) nutrient intake; 3) biomarkers of obesity and inflammation; and 4) health parameters such as blood pressure, and circulating levels of lipids, glucose, and insulin. This study will provide us with pilot data necessary to develop a full proposal for submission to external funding sources. Participants will be recruited through the bariatric surgery team at Wake Forest University Medical Center. We anticipate recruiting 30 patients to consent to the study. In order to be eligible, participants must have a BMI > 35.0 kg/m2, undergo laparoscopic bariatric surgery, report a sedentary lifestyle, and have self-reported difficulty in performing at least one of the following activities attributed to back, hip, knee, or ankle pain: lifting and carrying groceries, walking one-quarter mile, getting in and out of a chair, or going up and down stairs. Baseline testing will occur within 4 weeks prior to surgery and follow-up testing at 3 weeks, and 3, 6, and 12 months post-surgery. Physical function performance tests will assess mobility disability using gait speed test, chair rise, balance, and lateral mobility. Knee extensor strength will be assessed. Self-reported physical function will also be measured via the modified FAST questionnaire. The CES-D questionnaire will be administered to collect data on depression. Four day food records will assess dietary intake. Body composition will be measured using abdominal and femur CT scans, DXA and BIA. Blood pressure, blood lipids, plasma glucose and insulin, markers of inflammation, and circulating adipokine and hormone levels will also be examined.
