Digital prehabilitation for patients undergoing major elective surgery
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Digital prehabilitation for patients undergoing major elective surgery: a single-arm pilot study
IRAS ID
333460
Contact name
Alec Snow
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 28 days
Research summary
Major surgery induces a stress response that increases oxygen demand in tissues. Individuals with higher cardiorespiratory fitness are able to supply the increased oxygen demand in tissues, and are considered ‘lower risk’ for postoperative complications compared to individuals with lower fitness. As such, exercise training prior to surgery – termed ‘prehabilitation’ – is recommended to increase cardiorespiratory fitness and minimise surgical complications. Typically, prehabilitation is delivered via face-to-face programmes which places travel and time burden on patients. Alternatively, traditional home-based programmes may reduce patient burden, but are less engaging and not progressive or personalised. To maximise the potential benefits of prehabilitation, an accessible and effective intervention is required.
PreActiv has developed a digital prehabilitation platform where patients can access tailored, progressive, dynamic, evidence-based prehabilitation programmes from their home. Prehabilitation programmes include aerobic, resistance, and breathing exercises selected based on the participant’s fitness and mobility, plus access to peer support and healthcare providers via a community forum. The feasibility and acceptability of PreActiv’s digital prehabiliation requires investigation.
This pilot study will evaluate the recruitment, adherence, compliance, retention, safety, and acceptability of PreActiv’s digital prehabilitation for patients awaiting major elective surgery at the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust (RUH). Patients aged ≥50 years and free from contraindications to exercise training will be allocated to receive PreActiv’s digital prehabilitation + usual care for six weeks. The primary aim is to assess whether progression to a larger study is indicated based on pre-defined criteria for adherence and retention. Key secondary aims will be addressed with measurements of cardiorespiratory and functional fitness, resting blood pressure and heart rate, quality of life, mood, and physical activity level taken before and after the intervention period at the University of Bath. The study is funded by a ‘research capability fund’ grant awarded by RUH.
REC name
Wales REC 2
REC reference
24/WA/0007
Date of REC Opinion
25 Jan 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion