Intensive rehabilitation after minimally invasive lung resection

Interest of Intensive Postoperative Rehabilitation Following Minimally Invasive Lung Resection: A Randomized Controlled Study

NA · University Hospital, Rouen · NCT06202222

This project tests whether intensive postoperative rehabilitation helps people with non-small cell lung cancer recover faster and spend less time in hospital after minimally invasive lung resection.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment184 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Rouen (other)
Locations3 sites (Valenciennes, Hauts-de-France and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06202222 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The trial enrolls patients with diagnosed or suspected non-small cell lung cancer scheduled for major lung resection via a minimally invasive approach. Participants receive a structured, intensive postoperative physiotherapy program—drawing on techniques used in COPD rehabilitation—with daily sessions starting on the day of surgery and functional exercises such as chair-rise testing and cycling where appropriate. Patients with contraindications to cyclo-ergometry or severe lower-limb/skin conditions are excluded. Key outcomes include respiratory function, postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with non-small cell lung cancer scheduled for major minimally invasive lung resection who can perform the chair-rise test and tolerate cycling-based exercises.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to cyclo-ergometry (for example recent DVT, lower-limb amputation, severe musculoskeletal or skin issues), a Glasgow score under 15, or those not having minimally invasive resection are unlikely to benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the program could improve postoperative respiratory function, reduce complications, and shorten hospital stays after minimally invasive lung resection.

How similar studies have performed: Previous prehabilitation and perioperative rehabilitation programs adapted from COPD care have shown improved exercise capacity and some reductions in complications, but standardized intensive postoperative protocols remain less well validated.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients requiring surgery for diagnosed or undergoing diagnosis of lung cancer.
* Patients in need of major lung resection through a minimally invasive approach.
* Patients capable of performing the chair rise test.

Exclusion Criteria:

\- Contraindications to cyclo-ergometry: Deep vein thrombosis in a lower limb. Patients with one or both lower limbs amputated. Rheumatological pathology, trauma, or previous surgery in the lower limb, pelvis, or spine, resulting in limited joint amplitude or strict immobilization.

Dermatological conditions with severe lesions preventing prolonged sitting on a bicycle.

* Glasgow score less than 15.
* Patients who have not undergone pulmonary resection by minimally invasive surgery.
* Patients hospitalized outside the thoracic surgery department before the first post-operative visit with the physiotherapist on Day 0.

Where this trial is running

Valenciennes, Hauts-de-France and 2 other locations

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Lung Cancer

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.