Journal Article

Effect of Preoperative Exercise on Cardiorespiratory Function and Recovery After Surgery: a Systematic Review

Lemanu, Daniel P., MacCormick, Andrew D., Hill, Andrew G., Singh, Primal P., Arroll, Bruce

2013

Overview

Background This systematic review aims to investigate the extent to which preoperative conditioning (PREHAB) improves physiologic function and whether it correlates with improved recovery after major surgery. Methods An electronic database search identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the safety and efficacy of PREHAB. The outcomes studied were changes in cardiorespiratory physiologic function, clinical outcomes (including length of hospital stay and rates of postoperative complications), and measures of changes in functional capacity (physical and psychological). Results Eight low- to medium-quality RCTs were included in the final analysis. The patients were elderly (mean age >60 years), and the exercise programs were significantly varied. Adherence to PREHAB was low. Only one study found that PREHAB led to significant improvement in physiologic function correlating with improved clinical outcomes. Conclusion There are only limited data to suggest that PREHAB confers any measured physiologic improvement with subsequent clinical benefit. Further data are required to investigate the efficacy and safety of PREHAB in younger patients and to identify interventions that may help improve adherence to PREHAB.

• Publisher: Springer-Verlag,Springer‐Verlag,John Wiley & Sons, Inc
• Subject: Abdominal Surgery / Cardiac Surgery / Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena / Exercise Test / Exercise Therapy / General Surgery / Humans / Inspiratory Muscle / Inspiratory Muscle Strength / Inspiratory Muscle Training / Length of Stay / Medicine / Medicine & Public Health / Muscle Strength / Oxygen Consumption / Physiologic Endpoint / Physiologic Improvement / Postoperative Complications - prevention & control / Preoperative Care - methods / Quality of Life / Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Recovery of Function / Respiratory Function Tests / Respiratory Physiological Phenomena / Surgery / Thoracic Surgery / Treatment Outcome / Vascular Surgery