Key result
A randomized controlled trial of prehabilitation for frail colorectal patients in regional Australia demonstrated poor feasibility, with only 5 of 106 eligible patients randomized and one completing follow-up.
Why the study?
Prehabilitation is a potential strategy to improve health outcomes after major surgery, but the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial in frail colorectal surgery patients in regional Australia was unknown.
Does a 4-week supervised exercise program with dietary advice improve 6-min-walk-distance in frail patients aged over 50 scheduled for colorectal surgery?
RCT (n=5)
Single-blind
1:1 computer-generated random numbers
No
Does a 4-week supervised exercise program with dietary advice improve 6-min-walk-distance in frail patients aged over 50 scheduled for colorectal surgery?
A 4-week prehabilitation program for frail colorectal surgery patients demonstrated poor feasibility in a regional Australian setting due to low frailty rates, short surgical wait times, and patient barriers.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Recruitment barriers render prehabilitation RCTs infeasible for regional frail colorectal patients; challenges feasibility assumptions and supports redesigned protocols.
Furyk et al. (2021) conducted an RCT in Frail patients undergoing colorectal surgery (n=5). Prehabilitation (supervised exercise program with dietary advice) vs. Standard pre-operative care was evaluated on 6-minute walk test distance at follow-up (4-6 weeks post-operation). A randomized controlled trial of prehabilitation for frail colorectal patients in regional Australia demonstrated poor feasibility, with only 5 of 106 eligible patients randomized and one completing follow-up.
Synapse has enriched 4 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: