Exercise program for women with ovarian cancer before surgery

The Impact of Prehabilitation Exercise on Frailty and Treatment Outcomes in Ovarian Cancer Patients

Not applicable Interventional Nova Scotia Health Authority · NCT05364879

This study tests whether a structured exercise program can help women with advanced ovarian cancer get stronger and recover better before their surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment108 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorNova Scotia Health Authority Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Halifax, Nova Scotia)
Trial IDNCT05364879 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study focuses on prehabilitation for women diagnosed with stage III or IV ovarian cancer, aiming to improve their physical condition before undergoing cytoreductive surgery. The intervention involves a structured exercise program designed to address frailty, which is common among these patients and can negatively impact surgical outcomes. Participants will engage in in-person and/or virtual exercise sessions, with a minimum of four weeks between enrollment and surgery to allow for adequate preparation. The goal is to enhance recovery and reduce complications associated with surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women aged 18 or older with a confirmed diagnosis of stage III or IV ovarian cancer who are scheduled for cytoreductive surgery.

Not a fit: Patients who have already undergone surgery or have significant health issues that prevent safe participation in exercise will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved surgical outcomes and recovery for women with ovarian cancer.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of prehabilitation for ovarian cancer is novel, similar interventions in other cancer types have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years or older
* Have a confirmed diagnosis of stage III or IV ovarian cancer
* Scheduled to receive cytoreductive surgery as part of their treatment plan
* Must have a minimum of 4-weeks between the time of study enrollment and scheduled surgery
* Be able to attend in-person and/or virtual exercise sessions
* Be fluent in English
* Have oncologist approval

Exclusion Criteria:

* Have already completed surgery
* Unstable cardiac or respiratory disease, injury or any other co-morbid disease that may make it unsafe for participants to exercise
* Significant cognitive impairment (e.g., do not have the capacity to consent, unable to follow exercise instructions)

Where this trial is running

Halifax, Nova Scotia

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 PrehabilitationExerciseFrailtyOvarian CancerSurgical ComplicationTreatment OutcomesEnhanced Recovery After Surgery
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.