Prehabilitation program for frail patients before heart surgery

The Feasibility and Triability of a Prehabilitation Program for Mild to Moderately Frail Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgeries/Procedures

NA · The University of Hong Kong · NCT06323317

This study is testing a special program that helps frail patients get stronger and healthier before heart surgery to see if it improves their recovery and quality of life.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThe University of Hong Kong (other)
Locations1 site (Hong Kong, Please Select)
Trial IDNCT06323317 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to develop and evaluate a prehabilitation program specifically designed for frail patients awaiting cardiac surgeries such as coronary artery bypass grafting and heart valve replacement. The program includes a multi-component exercise regimen, nutritional optimization, and stress management to enhance patients' physical and psychological readiness for surgery. By focusing on frailty, the study seeks to improve various outcomes including functional capacity, quality of life, and reduce hospital stays and readmission rates. The trial will recruit 50 adults in Hong Kong who meet specific frailty criteria.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are frail adults scheduled for elective cardiac surgeries with a Clinical Frailty Scale score between 4 and 6.

Not a fit: Patients with impaired cognition or significant physical limitations to exercise may not benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve recovery outcomes and quality of life for frail patients undergoing cardiac procedures.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise for prehabilitation in general cardiac patients, but this specific approach for frail individuals is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. A confirmed schedule for elective CABG, valve repair/replacement, or combined CABG and valve repair/replacement, or TAVI
2. Mild to moderate frailty at the time of recruitment, indicated by a Clinical Frailty Scale score between 4 and 6
3. At least 5 weeks of procedural waiting time
4. Physically fit for prehabilitation according to the surgeon/cardiologist's endorsement on a risk-assessment checklist
5. Living with family
6. Using an electronic device with internet access (patient/family).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Impaired cognition (Abbreviated Mental Test score ≤6) or communication
2. With physical limitations to exercise

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong, Please Select

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: Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting, Heart Valve Replacement, Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation, Frailty, prehabilitation, home-based exercise, centre-based exercise, coronary artery bypass grafting

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.