Prehabilitation program for patients undergoing thoracic surgery

The Effect of Surgical Prehabilitation on Autonomic Nervous System Regulation

Not applicable Interventional Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele · NCT06398301

This study is testing if a special exercise and wellness program before surgery can help patients having thoracic surgery recover faster and stay in the hospital for a shorter time.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversità Vita-Salute San Raffaele Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Milan and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06398301 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This multicenter interventional trial evaluates the effects of a multimodal prehabilitation program on heart rate variability (HRV) in patients scheduled for elective thoracic surgery. One hundred patients aged 18 and older will be randomized to receive either the prehabilitation program or standard care. The study aims to determine if prehabilitation can reduce hospital length of stay and improve postoperative recovery by enhancing patients' functional capacity before surgery. HRV will be used as a measure to assess the physiological recovery and stress response related to the prehabilitation interventions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older scheduled for major thoracic surgeries such as lobectomy or pneumonectomy.

Not a fit: Patients with severe heart conditions, end-stage organ dysfunction, or other significant medical issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could lead to shorter hospital stays and improved recovery outcomes for patients undergoing thoracic surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with prehabilitation approaches, suggesting potential benefits in surgical recovery.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients scheduled to undergo major thoracic surgery including lobectomy, bilobectomy, anatomical segmentectomy, and pneumonectomy with general anesthesia;
* Patients ≥18 years of age at the time of randomization;
* Patients who provide written informed consent to participate.

Exclusion Criteria:

* New York Heart Association classes 3-4;
* End-stage organ dysfunction;
* American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classes 4-5;
* Disabling orthopedic, neuromuscular, and psychiatric diseases;
* Other medical conditions that preclude safe training.
* Atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmia (e.g. bigeminy, trigeminy) that preclude heart rate variability analysis.
* Unable to provide written informed consent to participate

Where this trial is running

Milan and 1 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.
Conditions Thoracic SurgeryThoracic surgeryPrehabilitationMultimodal prehabilitation programStandard care treatmentHospital stayFunctional walkingNutrition
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.