ObjectiveTo explore the effects of rehabilitation therapy on postoperative pulmonary function and exercise capacity of patients with lung cancer during the hospitalization in the setting of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols.MethodsA total of 110 lung cancer patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy in the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from September 2017 to December 2018 were randomly divided into the rehabilitation treatment group (the trial group, n=54) and the non-rehabilitation treatment group (the control group, n=56). The trial group got out of bed within 24 hours after surgery and performed respiratory rehabilitation training. The control group did not receive rehabilitation after surgery. Pulmonary function and 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) were evaluated preoperatively and prior to discharge in both groups to compare the differences in pulmonary function and exercise capacity between the two groups.ResultsThe preoperative forced vital capacity (FVC) in the trial group and the control group were (2.45±0.57) and (2.47±0.61) L, respectively; the forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) were (2.29±0.55) and (2.22±0.55) L, respectively; 6MWD were (592±51) and (576±57) m, respectively; the differences between the two groups were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Prior to discharge, the FVC in the trial group and the control group were (1.43±0.36) and (1.19±0.33) L, respectively; FEV1 were (1.28±0.32) and (1.06±0.61) L, respectively; 6MWD were (264±43) and (218±37) m, respectively. The results of pre-discharge evaluation were significantly lower than those of preoperative evaluation (P<0.01). The pre-discharge FVC, FEV1, and 6MWD in the trial group were significantly superior to those in the control group (P<0.01).ConclusionIn the setting of ERAS protocols, postoperative rehabilitation therapy during hospitalizations can improve pulmonary function and promote the recovery of exercise capacity in lung cancer patients more effectively.