Pre-Surgical fitness in older volunteers
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Pilot study to investigate two community-based exercise interventions on changes in cardiorespiratory function, physical activity and attitudes to pre-surgical fitness in older volunteers.
IRAS ID
138135
Contact name
Chris Snowden
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hosptials NHS Foundation Trust
Research summary
This study will recruit older physically inactive volunteers to take part in 6 weeks of targeted exercise therapy to look at
whether their fitness will improve from baseline. Exercise testing at baseline and at the end of 4 and 6 weeks will take
place in a hospital setting (Freeman Hospital), whilst recruits will take part in two types of targeted exercise regime in
the community (local facilities) which will attempt to mimic proposed intended pre-surgical program.
In the previous study a major recruitment issue was the availability and traveling to the hospital to take part in the
exercise program. This study aims to address this by providing facilities within their community close to the
participants home where they can complete their structured exercise program. These facilities are already set up to
improve fitness in older people with chronic health issues.
Participants will be recruited through Voice North (a Newcastle University based volunteer group of Older people).
Participants will demonstrate reduced levels of fitness defined by initial cardiopulmonary testing and a lack of regular
participation in other physical activity programs (defined by simple questionnaire). A group of volunteers with higher
levels of fitness will be included in the preliminary focus groups.REC name
North East - Tyne & Wear South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/NE/0351
Date of REC Opinion
24 Jan 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion