Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Implementation and Assessment of the BE-FIT Program

This study is testing an exercise programme called BE-FIT for older adults who are recovering in hospital after surgery. Often, lying in bed for long periods can weaken muscles, making recovery slower and increasing the risk of falls or needing to come back to hospital. The BE-FIT programme encourages patients to do simple exercises at their bedside to get them moving sooner. Researchers want to see if this helps patients recover better, reduces the time they spend in hospital, and lowers the chance of complications. Some patients will do the BE-FIT exercises, while others will receive their usual care, and the study will compare their progress.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Alberta

Enrolment target

2,180

Start

01 Aug 2021

Estimated completion

30 Sep 2026

Postoperative Complications Mobility Surgery

What is this study about?

When older people have surgery and need to stay in hospital, it's common for them to spend a lot of time in bed. While rest is important, too much bed rest can actually make muscles weaker, slow down recovery, and increase the risk of problems like falls or needing to be readmitted to hospital. This can be particularly true for older adults, who might already be a bit frailer.

This study is looking at a new programme called BE-FIT, which stands for BEdside reconditioning for Functional ImprovemenTs. It's designed to help older patients who have had surgery get moving earlier and reduce the amount of time they spend resting in bed. The BE-FIT programme provides simple, safe exercises that patients can do themselves at their bedside throughout their hospital stay. The main goal is to see if this early movement helps patients recover better, feel stronger, and get home sooner.

Researchers will compare patients who use the BE-FIT programme with patients who receive the usual care without these extra exercises. They will look at things like how quickly patients can move around, how long they stay in hospital, and if they have fewer complications. The study takes place in hospitals in Alberta, Canada.

Key takeaways

The study aims to help older adults recover faster after surgery.
It uses a gentle exercise plan called BE-FIT done at the bedside.
The goal is to reduce muscle weakness, improve movement, and shorten hospital stays.
Participation involves doing simple exercises or receiving usual care.
The study compares outcomes between those who exercise and those who don't.
It's for people aged 65 and over having specific surgeries.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for participants who are aged 65 or older. You would need to be admitted to the hospital for certain types of surgery, such as general surgery (like for your stomach or intestines), urology (problems with your bladder or kidneys), otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat surgery), or transplant surgery.

There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join the study. For example, if you're already in hospital from another area and just being transferred, or if you're not from the province where the study is happening (Alberta, Canada). Also, if your surgery is for comfort care (palliative) rather than to cure an illness, or if you have very severe injuries from multiple parts of your body. Finally, if you're already very frail, as measured by a specific health scale, you wouldn't be able to join.

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 65 years old or older?
Are you in hospital for surgery (like general, urology, or ear/nose/throat)?
Are you not transferring from another hospital department?
Is your surgery not for comfort care only?
Are you not considered very frail by a healthcare professional?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, your involvement would depend on which group you're in. If you're in the BE-FIT group, you would receive a plan with simple exercises to do at your bedside throughout your hospital stay. These exercises are designed for you to do independently. If you're in the control group, you would receive the usual care from the hospital, without the added exercise plan. Researchers will assess your mobility (how well you can move) at different points during your hospital stay to see if the BE-FIT programme has made a difference. The total duration of your participation would be for the length of your hospital stay.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer potential benefits, such as helping you recover faster, regain strength, and potentially reduce your time in hospital. There are no known additional risks associated with the BE-FIT exercises, as they are gentle and designed for bedside use. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University of Alberta
Verified postcode
Edmonton, Canada

Common questions

What is the BE-FIT program?

It's an exercise plan with simple movements you can do at your bedside to help you get stronger and recover faster after surgery.

Who can take part in this study?

Older adults (65 and over) who are in hospital for certain types of surgery.

Will I have to do all the exercises by myself?

Yes, the exercises are designed for you to do independently at your bedside during your hospital stay.

What if I can't do the exercises?

The exercises are simple, but you should always let your healthcare team know if you are finding them difficult or uncomfortable.

Will this study affect my usual hospital care?

No, you will still receive all your usual hospital care. The BE-FIT exercises are an addition for some participants.