Supervised exercise program for colorectal cancer patients after surgery

A Randomised Controlled Trial to Assess the Efficacy of a Postoperative Supervised Exercise Programme in Patients Who Have Undergone Elective Curative Surgery for Colorectal Cancer.

Not applicable Interventional University of Nottingham · NCT05090215

This study tests if a 12-week exercise program can help colorectal cancer patients recover better after surgery compared to standard care.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment34 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Nottingham Academic / other
Locations1 site (Derby)
Trial IDNCT05090215 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of a 12-week supervised exercise program on colorectal cancer patients following surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to either standard postoperative care or the exercise program, which includes both aerobic and resistance training components. Prior to surgery, participants will undergo various assessments, including cardiopulmonary exercise testing, muscle ultrasound, blood tests, and quality of life questionnaires. The goal is to determine if structured exercise can aid in the recovery and return to full activity for these patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and over who have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer and are scheduled for curative surgery.

Not a fit: Patients who are undergoing emergency surgery or have significant comorbidities that prevent them from participating in exercise may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could enhance recovery and improve quality of life for colorectal cancer patients post-surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that structured exercise programs can significantly improve recovery outcomes in cancer patients, suggesting a positive outlook for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 18 years and over MDT outcome of proven or high clinical suspicion of colorectal cancer Due to undergo either laparoscopic, robotic or open resection with curative intent Ability to exercise on a static bike (in order to complete the CPET, not required for the exercise programme) Ability to give informed consent Must be able to their organize own transport to RDH for the duration of the study in order to complete the supervised exercise sessions Availability for the period of study inclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participants who lack capacity to consent Participants with a new diagnosis undergoing emergency surgery

Participants with a past medical history including the following:

* Recent myocardial infarction (MI) in the last 6 months or unstable angina Heart failure (New York Heart Association Class III/IV)
* Uncontrolled hypertension (BP\>160/100)
* Previous stroke/TIA
* Cerebral or abdominal aortic aneurysm
* Severe respiratory disease including known pulmonary hypertension (\>25mmHg)
* Exercise induced asthma or brittle asthma Abnormal blood and/or ECG results Patients who are unable to undergo CPET according to the Perioperative Exercise Testing and Training Society (POETTS) published consensus guidelines on performing CPET

Where this trial is running

Derby

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 Colorectal CancerColorectal Neoplasmsexerciserehabilitationpostoperativecolorectal cancer
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.