Prehabilitation program for surgical patients

Implementation of a Prehabilitation Pilot Program for Individuals With Frailty Undergoing Oncologic Surgery

NA · MaineHealth · NCT05377970

This study tests a prehabilitation program to see if it can help frail patients feel better and recover faster after surgery for gastrointestinal cancer.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMaineHealth (other)
Locations1 site (Portland, Maine)
Trial IDNCT05377970 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study implements a prehabilitation program aimed at improving outcomes for frail patients undergoing surgery for gastrointestinal oncologic conditions. The program focuses on enhancing adherence, self-efficacy, and health-related quality of life through a structured exercise regimen. Conducted at the Maine Medical Center Surgical Oncology Clinic, the pilot program will evaluate its effectiveness before broader implementation across all surgical specialties. Participants will engage in the Thinkific Prehabilitation Exercise Program to prepare for their surgical interventions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are scheduled for gastrointestinal surgery and meet specific frailty criteria.

Not a fit: Patients who are unable to participate in the prehabilitation exercises or have impaired decision-making capacity may not benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce morbidity and mortality rates in frail surgical patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using prehabilitation programs to improve surgical outcomes, indicating a potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Subjects ≥18 years old
2. Evaluated at Maine Medical Center by surgical oncology service
3. Planned surgical intervention for gastrointestinal oncologic condition
4. Score ≥40 on Risk Analysis Index frailty screening
5. Physically able to participate in prehabilitation exercises
6. Home internet access and established email account
7. Able to understand the English language

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients unable to participate in exercises included in prehabilitation program
2. Patients with impaired decision making capacity
3. Those in a high risk community: prisoners and pregnant women
4. Those who do not meet the above inclusion criteria

Where this trial is running

Portland, Maine

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: Prehabilitation, Oncology, Surgical Oncology

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.