High intensity prehabilitation before major abdominal surgery

Effect of a Two Week Prehabilitation Program Before Major Abdominal Surgery

Not applicable Interventional Medical University Innsbruck · NCT05355909

This study tests whether a two-week personalized fitness program can help patients with low aerobic fitness feel better and have fewer heart problems after major abdominal surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorMedical University Innsbruck Academic / other
Locations1 site (Innsbruck, Tyrol)
Trial IDNCT05355909 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the impact of a personalized high-intensity preoperative fitness training program lasting two weeks on patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery. It focuses on improving preoperative aerobic fitness, specifically targeting those with a ventilatory anaerobic threshold below 11 mL/kg/min, to reduce the risk of major cardiac events post-surgery. The study aims to address previous methodological issues in related research and provide a structured approach to enhance patient outcomes before surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients classified as ASA I-III with a BMI between 18 and 35, scheduled for elective abdominal surgery with moderate to high risk.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have experienced major trauma or hemorrhage recently, or have contraindications for preoperative fitness training will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the risk of postoperative complications and improve recovery times for patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While some small studies have shown benefits of prehabilitation in abdominal and thoracic surgery, this study aims to provide a more rigorous evaluation of the approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ASA I-III
* BMI 18 - 35kg/m2
* Signed informed consent
* Elective abdominal surgery with moderate to high risk

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy of lactation
* Major trauma or massive haemorrhage with the last two weeks
* Inclusion of the patient in a interventional study
* Contraindication for preoperative fitness training or ergometry
* Transplantation surgery

Where this trial is running

Innsbruck, Tyrol

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 Prehabilitationventilatory anaerobic threshold, Prehabilitation
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.