Home-based Prehabilitation for Elderly Patients

Launched by UNIVERSITÄTSKLINIKUM HAMBURG-EPPENDORF · May 24, 2019

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a home-based prehabilitation program designed for elderly patients who are frail and scheduled for elective surgery. Frailty can make recovery after surgery more difficult and can lead to more complications, longer hospital stays, and increased risk of readmission. The goal of this trial is to see if a personalized exercise program that patients can do at home—without needing a trainer—can help improve their strength and overall health before surgery, making it easier for them to recover afterward.

To be eligible for this study, participants need to be identified as pre-frail or frail based on a specific assessment, have a scheduled surgery, and plan to stay in the hospital for at least 24 hours post-surgery. Unfortunately, individuals who are very immobile or have minor surgical procedures won't be able to take part. Those who join the program can expect to follow a set of exercises tailored to their needs, all while being supported to prepare for their surgery effectively. This innovative approach aims to provide an accessible and cost-effective solution to enhance the health of elderly patients before they undergo surgery.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • pre-frail or frail according to (Longitudinal Urban Cohort Ageing Study) LUCAS-functional index
• • scheduled for elective surgery
• • planned ward admission for at least 24h after surgery
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Refusal of participation
• • Presentation less than 2 weeks prior to scheduled procedure
• • Pre-existing pronounced immobility (wheelchair bound, paresis of both arms or both legs)
• • Minor surgical interventions such as small excisions of superficial tissues, small interventions for haemorrhoids, curettage, gastroscopy