Fit4SurgeryTV at-home prehabilitation for frail elderly planned for colorectal cancer surgery: a pilot study

Objective The preoperative phase is a potential window of opportunity. Although frail elderly patients are known to be more prone to postoperative complications, they are often not considered capable of accomplishing a full prehabilitation program. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of Fit4SurgeryTV, an at-home prehabilitation program specifically designed for frail elderly with colorectal cancer (CRC). Design The Fit4SurgeryTV program consisted of a daily elderly-adapted computer-supported strength training workout and two protein-rich meals. Frail patients ≥70 years with CRC were included. The program was considered feasible if 80% of the patients would be able to complete 70% of the program. Results Fourteen patients (median age 79, 5 males) participated. At baseline, 86% patients were physically impaired and 64% were at risk for malnourishment. Median duration of the program was 26 days. The program was feasible as patients followed the exercises for 6/7 (86%) days and prepared the recipes 5/7 (71%) days per week. Patients specifically appreciated at-home exercises. Conclusion This study showed that at-home prehabilitation in frail elderly with CRC is feasible. As a result, patients might be fitter for surgery and might recover faster. The perioperative period could serve as a pivotal time point in reverting complications of immobility. Address for correspondence and requests for reprints: Emma RJ Bruns, MD, Department of surgery, Academic Medical Centre, PO Box 22660, 1100 DD Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Tel: +31-6-14041036. E-mail: e.r.bruns@amc.nl During review process: e.r.bruns@amc.nl Category: Pilot study Conflicts of interest and source of funding: None Based on a previous communication to a society or meeting: Abstract presentation at the 2nd World Prehabilitation Congress in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, on June 29th 2018. Copyright © 2018 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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