Exercise program for older patients with colorectal cancer

Effect of a Personalized Physical Exercise Program on Functional Capacity and Quality of Life in Older Colorectal Cancer Patients

Not applicable Interventional Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañon · NCT05448846

This study is testing whether a home-based exercise program can help older patients with colorectal cancer feel stronger and improve their quality of life after surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment252 (estimated)
Ages75 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañon Academic / other
Locations1 site (Madrid)
Trial IDNCT05448846 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The ECOOL program is a randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the impact of a home-based exercise intervention on the physical function and health-related quality of life of patients aged 75 and older who are undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer. This multicomponent exercise program focuses on enhancing strength, balance, gait ability, and inspiratory muscle function, with weekly telephone follow-ups from an exercise specialist to ensure adherence and provide support. Patients will also participate in supervised exercise sessions at key points to ensure proper execution of the exercises. The goal is to improve physical function and quality of life three months post-surgery and maintain these benefits for up to six months.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients aged 75 years and older who have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer and are on the surgery waiting list.

Not a fit: Patients who are unable to undergo colorectal surgery or have severe cognitive impairments or terminal illnesses may not benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly enhance the recovery and quality of life for elderly patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with exercise interventions in older cancer patients, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients aged 75 years or older diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
* Patients included in colorectal surgery waiting list of the Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañon (Madrid, Spain)
* Patients able to communicate, understand and sign the informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients finally excluded for colorectal surgery.
* Patients with absolute contraindications to exercise
* Walk disability (FAC \<2)
* Severe cognitive impairment (MMSE \<18)
* Terminal illness

Where this trial is running

Madrid

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 Colorectal NeoplasmsAgedCancerElderlyExercisePrehabilitationRehabilitationSurgery
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.