Impact of a preoperative exercise program on patients awaiting bariatric surgery

The Effect of a Preoperative Exercise Programme on Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Resting Metabolic Rate and Autonomic Control in Patients With Severe Obesity Awaiting Bariatric Surgery

Not applicable Interventional University College, London · NCT05235945

This study tests if a four-week exercise program can help people getting ready for bariatric surgery improve their fitness, metabolism, and weight.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment48 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity College, London Academic / other
Locations1 site (London)
Trial IDNCT05235945 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to evaluate the effects of a structured four-week exercise program on fitness, metabolic rate, and weight in patients preparing for bariatric surgery due to obesity. The study will involve a randomized controlled trial with 48 participants, who will be assigned to either a usual care group or an exercise intervention group. Participants in the intervention group will engage in both supervised and self-led exercise sessions, totaling 14 sessions over the four weeks leading up to their surgery. The study will measure various health metrics before and after the intervention to assess its effectiveness.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and above with a BMI greater than 30 kg/m2 who are enrolled in a bariatric surgery program.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have significant medical co-morbidities, or weigh over 180 kg may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could enhance the fitness and metabolic health of patients before bariatric surgery, potentially leading to better surgical outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with preoperative exercise interventions in similar patient populations, suggesting this approach is promising.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adults, aged 18 and above.
2. Patients enrolled in the UCLH, Homerton or Whittington Hospitals bariatric surgery program with BMI \> 30 kg/m2
3. ≤5 % variation in body weight over preceding 3 months.
4. Willing and able to comply with the trial protocol.
5. Willing and able to provide written informed consent
6. Male or Female

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Pregnant or lactating mothers.
2. Weight over 180 kg (due to weight restrictions of equipment used).
3. Current use of betablockade.
4. Concurrent participation in other clinical intervention trial.
5. Clinically significant medical co-morbidities (e.g. uncontrolled hypertension, unstable cardiovascular disease) that could place at risk of an adverse response to exercise.
6. History of atrial fibrillation, unstable angina, acute coronary syndrome, congestive heart failure New York Heart Association class III-IV within the preceding 12 months.

Where this trial is running

London

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 Bariatric Surgery CandidateObesityexercisefitnesspre-operativeprehabilitationbariatricobesity
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.