Prehabilitation for patients with mild to moderate frailty undergoing coronary artery and valve surgery: a pilot randomized controlled trial.
Polly W C Li, Doris S F Yu, Daniel T L Chan et al.
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In 30 seconds
This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluated a frailty-specific prehabilitation program for adult patients with mild to moderate frailty undergoing elective coronary or valve surgery. The study found significant improvements in functional capacity and reductions in frailty levels, with the prehabilitation group showing a Short Physical Performance Battery score increase of 0.99 before surgery and 1.04 at 3 months post-intervention.
Key findings
- Functional capacity improved significantly in the prehabilitation group with a Short Physical Performance Battery score increase of 0.99 before surgery.
- Frailty levels decreased significantly at 1 day before surgery (P = 0.005) and at 3-month follow-up (P = 0.043).
- Health-related quality of life improved significantly at 1-month (P = 0.006) and 3-month post-intervention (P = 0.007).
- The program demonstrated high feasibility with 89% adherence and minimal adverse events.
Why it matters
Addressing frailty in cardiac surgery candidates is crucial, as it can impact surgical outcomes. This study suggests that a structured prehabilitation program may enhance functional capacity and quality of life, potentially leading to better postoperative recovery.