RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Trimodal Prehabilitation in Colorectal Cancer Patients

Doctors are studying a new program to help people with bowel cancer before their surgery. This program, called 'prehabilitation', involves three parts: guided exercise, nutrition advice (like protein shakes), and mindfulness techniques (like breathing exercises) to help with mental preparation. The main goal is to find out if this program can be practically put into place in hospitals and if it helps patients have a better recovery after surgery. Researchers will compare patients who do this program with past patients who didn't, looking at things like how long they stay in hospital, if they have any complications, or if they need to be readmitted. They want to make sure patients are as strong and ready as possible for their operation.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Jordan Leitch

Enrolment target

Start

24 Jul 2023

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2025

Colorectal Cancer

What is this study about?

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with bowel cancer and needs surgery, doctors are exploring new ways to help patients prepare and recover better. This study is looking at a special programme called 'prehabilitation'. Think of it as getting yourself in the best possible shape – both physically and mentally – before a big event, in this case, major surgery.

The programme has three key parts: first, a guided exercise plan to help you build strength and fitness; second, advice on healthy eating, including special protein shakes, to make sure your body has all the nutrients it needs to heal; and third, mindfulness techniques, like deep breathing exercises, to help you feel calmer and more prepared. The study wants to see if offering this kind of programme is practical for hospitals and if it genuinely helps patients do better after their operation.

Researchers will be looking at important information like how long patients stay in hospital, whether they have any problems after surgery, and if they need to come back to hospital unexpectedly. They'll compare how patients who go through this prehabilitation programme fare compared to previous patients who didn't have access to such a programme. This will help them understand if preparing like this makes a real difference to recovery.

Key takeaways

A study for adults having bowel cancer surgery.
Looks at a three-part preparation programme (exercise, nutrition, mindfulness).
Aims to see if the programme is practical and improves recovery.
Compares outcomes of patients in the programme to past patients.
Involves guided activities and tracking your progress.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults who are 18 years old or older. You would be considered if you are scheduled for a major operation for bowel cancer, specifically removal of part of your bowel (colectomy, low anterior resection, or abdominoperineal resection).

There are a few reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, if you prefer not to take part in the study, or if you find it difficult to understand questionnaires and take part in assessments in English, then this study might not be suitable for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you having a major bowel cancer operation?
Can you understand and take part in questionnaires in English?
Are you happy to try an exercise, nutrition, and mindfulness programme?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you choose to join this study, a research assistant will explain everything in detail. You will receive resources for the prehabilitation programme, which include an exercise plan for each week, specific protein shakes, and guidance on deep breathing exercises for mindfulness. You’ll also fill out some questionnaires about your physical activity, eating habits, and how you feel about your health.

Once you've joined, you'll take part in the three-part prehabilitation programme (exercise, nutrition, and mindfulness) before your surgery. You'll be put into one of two groups: one group will have regular check-ins (twice a week) to see how you're getting on with the programme, and the other group won't have these regular check-ins. Both groups will keep a daily record of their activities, like exercise and protein intake. The total time you'd be involved in the study would depend on how long the prehabilitation is before your surgery, plus a follow-up period to see how you recover.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer potential benefits, such as receiving structured guidance on exercise, nutrition, and mental preparation that could help improve your physical and mental readiness for surgery and potentially aid in a smoother recovery. While the exercises and nutritional advice are generally safe, there's always a small chance of minor discomfort or risks associated with any new physical activity or dietary change. You will be provided with guidance to minimise these. It's important to remember that you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Kingston Health Sciences Centre
Verified postcode
Kingston, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'prehabilitation'?

It's like getting fit and mentally prepared before a big event, in this case, your bowel cancer surgery. It involves exercise, healthy eating, and ways to relax.

Why is this study being done?

Doctors want to see if offering this special preparation programme before surgery can be easily managed by hospitals and if it helps patients recover better.

What will I have to do if I join?

You'll get an exercise plan, protein shakes, and guidance on breathing exercises. You'll also fill in some forms about your health and keep a daily record of your activities.

Will I be checked up on during the programme?

Some people in the study will have twice-weekly check-ins to see how they're doing with the programme, while others will not.

How long will I be involved?

You'll be part of the programme before your surgery, and then researchers will follow up on your recovery afterwards.

How to find out more

Jordan Leitch, MD

jordan.leitch@kingstonhsc.ca 6134494223 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.