Prehabilitation Program for Elective Surgery

(PRIME Trial)

This trial explores whether a home-based program focused on exercise, nutrition, and mindfulness can effectively prepare patients for major surgeries. Researchers aim to determine if participants will adhere to the program and if it could potentially reduce post-surgery complications. Participants will either follow this new virtually monitored home-based prehabilitation program or continue with standard pre-surgery care to compare outcomes. This trial suits adults scheduled for major elective surgeries, such as those involving the chest, abdomen, or bones, who have more than three weeks before their surgery date. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative pre-surgery care research that could enhance recovery and outcomes.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Research has shown that home-based prehabilitation programs, monitored virtually, are generally easy for participants to handle. These programs include exercise, nutrition advice, and mindfulness activities, and studies have found no major safety issues. For example, one study on a similar program reported no significant negative effects, indicating safety for most people.

Researchers are excited about the virtually monitored home-based prehabilitation program because it offers a comprehensive approach to preparing for elective surgery, unlike the standard preoperative care that often lacks structured prehabilitation. This program is unique because it combines aerobic and strength exercises, nutritional counseling, and mindfulness breathing exercises, all while being supported virtually through the CloudDX® platform. Additionally, the inclusion of 36 Premier Protein® shakes provides a nutritional boost that is not typically part of standard care. This holistic and tech-enabled approach could enhance recovery and surgical outcomes, making it a promising alternative to traditional preoperative preparations.

Research has shown that home-based prehabilitation programs, monitored remotely, can be effective. In this trial, participants in the Prehabilitation Program arm will receive a home-based, virtually monitored multimodal prehabilitation program. This program includes exercises, nutrition, and mindfulness activities to prepare individuals physically for surgery. One study found that remote prehabilitation was practical and improved patients' physical readiness before surgery. Another study demonstrated that these programs can help reduce complications after surgery. This evidence suggests that a home-based prehabilitation program could improve surgical outcomes by better preparing patients before their operations.¹⁴⁵⁶⁷