Improving prehabilitation for older adults before lung cancer surgery
Official title: Applying User-centered Design and Implementation Science to Enhance Prehabilitation for Frail Older Adults Undergoing Lung Cancer Surgery
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-10912030 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about making it easier for older adults with lung cancer to prepare for surgery by using a friendly app called BeFitMe™ that helps them stay active, eat well, and get support from others, while also listening to their feedback to improve the program.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $164,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R03AG082987-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912030 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who are scheduled for lung cancer surgery and may be frail.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing lung cancer surgery or are younger than 65 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing prehabilitation programs for older adults undergoing lung cancer surgery, particularly those who are frail. It aims to develop a user-centered approach to increase adherence to prehabilitation, which includes exercise, nutrition, and social support. The study will utilize a smartphone application called BeFitMe™ to encourage and track self-guided exercise at home. By incorporating feedback from older adults, the research seeks to make these programs more acceptable and effective for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved surgical outcomes and quality of life for older adults undergoing lung cancer surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that user-centered design can enhance adherence to health interventions, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Madariaga, Maria Lucia — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Madariaga, Maria Lucia
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.