Exercise program to improve recovery for head and neck cancer surgery patients
The Effect of Exercise Prehabilitation on Post-Operative Recovery After Head and Neck Cancer Surgery
This study tests whether a special exercise program before surgery can help head and neck cancer patients recover better and feel stronger afterwards.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 89 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | OHSU Knight Cancer Institute Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Portland, Oregon) |
| Trial ID | NCT06079697 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates a prehabilitation exercise intervention aimed at enhancing mobility and recovery outcomes for patients undergoing surgery for head and neck cancer. The intervention includes a daily walking program, sit-to-stand training, and standing therapeutic exercises, which patients will engage in before their surgery. The study will assess the impact of this exercise regimen on post-operative outcomes, including weight loss, depression, and overall recovery. Patients will be monitored using wearable devices to track their activity levels throughout the process.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 89 who are scheduled for major head and neck cancer surgery with free tissue transfer reconstruction.
Not a fit: Patients who are non-English speaking, have planned ICU admissions, or possess conditions that may hinder safe exercise will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve recovery times and quality of life for patients after head and neck cancer surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with prehabilitation approaches in surgical recovery, suggesting this intervention may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Older than 18 years of age and younger than 89 years of age. Both men and women and members of all races and ethnic groups may be included * Planned to undergo major head and neck cancer surgery with free tissue transfer reconstruction at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) with the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery with an expected length of stay (LOS) of 3 days or more * Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document Exclusion Criteria: * Non-English speaking * Planned postoperative admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) * Social or psychiatric conditions that may interfere with compliance * Further exclusion criteria may be applied due to conditions that may impact the ability to safely exercise as well as utilize the Fitbit devices: * Symptoms of or ongoing work-up for unstable angina, uncontrolled tachyarrhythmias, decompensated heart failure, severe aortic stenosis, hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, uncontrolled hypertension (HTN), uncontrolled pulmonary HTN or uncontrolled asthma * History of chest pain, dizziness or syncope with exercise * Bony metastases to the spine or extremities * Falls in the last year * Cognitive impairments limiting safety or ability to use technology * Impaired mobility requiring the use of assistive devices, such as use of a walker or wheelchair at baseline * Isolation precautions, as they would not be allowed to ambulate on a patient floor post-operatively
Where this trial is running
Portland, Oregon
- OHSU Knight Cancer Institute — Portland, Oregon, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ryan J Li — OHSU Knight Cancer Institute
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.