Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Prehabilitation Program for Patients Awaiting Elective Heart Surgery at Increased Risk of Postoperative Complications: Feasibility and Potential Clinical Outcomes

This important study is investigating if a special exercise programme, called prehabilitation, can help people who are waiting for heart surgery. The focus is on patients who might be at a higher risk of complications after their operation. The main goal is to see if exercising and strengthening before surgery can lead to a quicker and better recovery. Participants will follow a personalised exercise routine and do breathing exercises at home for 8 to 16 weeks before their surgery. They'll also have weekly check-ins with a physiotherapist, either in person or by video call. The researchers want to find out if this programme is safe to do and if it genuinely makes a difference to how people recover compared to those who don't do the extra exercises.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Montreal Heart Institute

Enrolment target

Start

15 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

15 Jun 2026

Cardiac Surgery Prehabilitation Postoperative Complications

What is this study about?

If you're waiting for heart surgery, this study is looking at a new way to help you prepare and recover better. It focuses on something called 'prehabilitation', which essentially means getting stronger and fitter before your operation. The idea is that if you're in better shape before surgery, your body might be better equipped to handle the operation and bounce back more quickly afterwards.

The researchers are particularly interested in people who might have a higher chance of facing problems after heart surgery. By taking part in this programme, doctors hope to learn if these special exercises can reduce those risks and improve overall recovery. It's an opportunity to see how much of a difference preparing your body actively can make.

This study is important because if prehabilitation proves to be effective, it could become a standard part of preparing for heart surgery for many patients in the future. It could mean less time in hospital, a smoother recovery, and ultimately, a better quality of life after your operation. The study aims to make sure this programme is not only helpful but also safe and practical for people to do at home.

Key takeaways

This study explores if exercise before heart surgery helps recovery.
It's for people at higher risk of problems after surgery.
Participants will follow a personalised home exercise plan for 8-16 weeks.
Weekly support from a physiotherapist is provided, often via video calls.
The goal is to see if pre-surgery exercise is safe and improves recovery.
Participation could lead to better preparation for future heart surgery patients.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you would typically need to be someone who is expected to have heart surgery and who doctors believe might be at a higher risk of problems after their operation. You also need to have at least eight weeks before your surgery date, as the exercise programme runs for this period. Importantly, you'll need access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer for video calls with your physiotherapist, as some of your appointments will be virtual.

However, there are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have certain heart conditions that are unstable, like recent chest pain, very fast heartbeats, or a recent heart attack (within the last two weeks), it wouldn't be safe for you to take part. Also, if you have other serious health issues that are causing strong symptoms or making you feel very unwell, or if you have physical or memory problems that would stop you from exercising safely, then this study wouldn't 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.

Am I waiting for heart surgery?
Do doctors think I might be at a higher risk of issues after surgery?
Do I have at least 8 weeks before my planned surgery date?
Do I have a smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet access for video calls?
Do I currently feel stable enough to do some exercise?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll be asked to take part in a personalised exercise programme for about 8 to 16 weeks before your heart surgery. This will include exercises to do at home, as well as special breathing muscle training. You'll have regular check-ins with a physiotherapist once a week. These meetings can be either face-to-face or through video calls on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. You'll have some health checks and assessments before you start the programme and again once you've completed it. The study will then compare your recovery after surgery with people who receive the usual care. The total duration of your active participation would be up to 16 weeks before your surgery.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer some potential benefits, such as preparing your body for surgery and potentially improving your recovery. However, like any exercise programme, there’s a small risk of muscle soreness or minor injury, though the exercises will be tailored and monitored by a physiotherapist. There are also benefits to helping doctors understand better ways to prepare patients for surgery. You are always free to decide to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Montreal Heart Institut
Verified postcode
Montreal, Canada

Common questions

What is 'prehabilitation'?

It's like getting fit and strong before your surgery to help your body recover better afterwards.

How long does the exercise programme last?

It will last between 8 to 16 weeks, leading up to your surgery date.

Do I have to go to a clinic for all my appointments?

No, you'll have weekly sessions with a physiotherapist, which can be in person or by video call from home.

What kind of exercises will I do?

You'll have a personalised exercise plan and practice special breathing exercises, all done at home.

What if I decide not to continue the study?

You can stop at any time for any reason, and your medical care will not be affected.

How to find out more

Silvanna Cardoso

silvanna.cardoso@icm-mhi.org 15143763330 Official trial record

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