Rationale: The complication rate after pancreatic resection is high, especially in elderly and physically unfit patients. Aerobic capacity, as indicated by the ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT) assessed by a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), can be used to identify high-risk patients. Previous studies have demonstrated that exercise prehabilitation can increase aerobic capacity in patients scheduled for intra-abdominal surgery, subsequently leading to better treatment outcomes. There is limited evidence on the feasibility of a (partly) supervised home-based prehabilitation program in patients scheduled for pancreatic resection. Objective: The primary objective of this study is to assess the feasibility of a four-week supervised home-based prehabilitation program in patients scheduled for elective pancreatic resection. Secondary objectives are to evaluate individual responses to prehabilitation on a number of secondary endpoints (no cause-effect relationship to be established). Study design: This study is a pragmatic multicenter study with a pretest-posttest design. It will take place at the Maastricht University Medical Center+ and University Medical Center Groningen in the Netherlands, and at the 'Città della Salute e della Scienza' in Torino, Italy. Study population: Patients planned for elective resection of a pancreatic tumor will be screened for potential eligibility. High-risk patients, identified by an oxygen uptake (VO2) at VAT ≤13 ml/kg/min and/or VO2peak ≤18 ml/kg/min, will be asked to participate. Intervention: A total of 45 patients will participate in a four-week (partly) supervised home-based personalized exercise training program before surgery (12 sessions in total). An advanced cycle ergometer (Lode Corival, Lode BV, Groningen, the Netherlands) will be delivered at the patient's home. Three weekly sessions of high-intensity interval training on the cycle will be combined with functional task exercise training. A trained physical therapist will visit the patient at least weekly to monitor progress. Main study parameters: The main study parameter is feasibility of the (partly) supervised home-based prehabilitation program. Hereto participation rate and reasons for non-participation will be evaluated. In participating patients, adherence/compliance, dropout rate, reasons for dropout, adverse events, patient motivation, and patient and therapist appreciation will be assessed throughout the program. Secondary endpoints: Secondary endpoints before and after prehabilitation include aerobic capacity, muscle function, body composition, functional mobility, immune system function, perceived fatigue, quality of life, and sarcopenia. Data on patient characteristics, neoadjuvant therapy, surgical procedure, and postoperative outcomes will also be collected for explorative purposes.
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Participation rate
Timeframe: At recruitment
Reasons for non-participation
Timeframe: At recruitment
Adherence/compliance
Timeframe: 4-week training period
Dropout rate
Timeframe: 4-week training period
Reasons for dropout
Timeframe: 4-week training period, at moment of drop-out
Adverse events
Timeframe: 4-week training period
Patient appreciation
Timeframe: at the end of 4-week training period
Therapist appreciation
Timeframe: at the end of 4-week training period