Evaluating preoperative fitness using exercise tests and questionnaires

Development & Validation of Preoperative Objective Physiological Evaluation

Not applicable Interventional Duke University · NCT05092126

This study is testing if a simple questionnaire can accurately estimate fitness levels in surgical patients by comparing it to a physical exercise test.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorDuke University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Durham, North Carolina)
Trial IDNCT05092126 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the oxygen consumption (VO2) measured during a sub-maximal exercise test with the VO2 estimated from a self-reported questionnaire in surgical patients. Patients at the Preoperative Anesthesia & Surgical Screening Clinic will complete the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) questionnaire, and those with a score of 33 or lower will be eligible for the study. Eligible participants will then undergo a Six Minute Step Test (6MST) to measure their VO2. The goal is to assess the accuracy of questionnaire-derived estimates of cardiorespiratory fitness in predicting surgical outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are undergoing preoperative assessment and have a DASI score of less than 34.

Not a fit: Patients with acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, severe untreated hypertension, or other significant health issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve preoperative assessments and reduce postoperative complications by providing a more accurate evaluation of patients' cardiorespiratory fitness.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using exercise testing to evaluate cardiorespiratory fitness, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 and older
* Able to speak English
* Ambulatory \[assistive devices ok\]
* Preoperative Anesthesia and Surgical Screening (PASS) clinic patient with DASI score \<34
* Able to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Acute myocardial infarction (3-5 days)
* Unstable angina
* Severe untreated arterial hypertension at rest (\>200 mm Hg systolic, \>120 mm Hg diastolic)
* Resting heart rate \> 120 bpm
* Room air desaturation at rest on room air \<85%
* Inmate of correctional facility (i.e. prisoner)
* Diagnosed history of dementia
* Inability to ambulate independently
* Considered inappropriate to participate by Principal Investigator

Where this trial is running

Durham, North Carolina

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Cardiorespiratory Fitnessareobic powercardiopulmonary exercise testingexercise capacityfunctional capacityphysical activity
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.