RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

The STRIVE Before Surgery Trial

The STRIVE Before Surgery Trial aims to find out if a special home-based program, called prehabilitation, can help patients feel better and have fewer problems after major surgery. This program, supported online, includes exercise, good nutrition, and breathing techniques. Many people face challenges after surgery, and this study tries to make recovery easier. Participants will be split into two groups by chance: one group will follow the prehabilitation program before their surgery, and the other group will receive standard care. Researchers will then compare how both groups feel about their abilities and independence 90 days after their operation. This research is important because it could help improve care for many people undergoing surgery.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Ottawa Hospital Research Institute

Enrolment target

902

Start

05 Sep 2024

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2031

Surgery-Complications Disability Physical

What is this study about?

When you're facing major surgery, there's always a hope for a smooth recovery. However, sometimes people experience challenges or new difficulties after an operation. Around 15 to 30 out of every 100 people have a serious medical problem after surgery, and about 1 in 5 find that they have new difficulties doing everyday things they used to manage easily, like getting dressed or walking around. This trial, called STRIVE Before Surgery, is exploring a new approach that might help.

The trial is looking at something called "prehabilitation." Think of it like training or preparing for an important event. In this case, it's preparing your body for surgery. This particular prehabilitation program is designed to be done at home and focuses on three key areas: gentle exercises, good nutrition, and breathing techniques. It's all supported by an easy-to-use online platform. The main goal is to see if taking part in this home-based programme before surgery can help you feel better and reduce problems with your daily activities 90 days after your operation.

To find out if this programme truly helps, the study will involve two groups. One group will participate in the prehabilitation program before their surgery. The other group will receive the usual care given before surgery, without the special program. By comparing these two groups, the researchers hope to understand if prehabilitation makes a real difference in how people recover and their ability to live independently after their surgery. It's a way to find better ways to support patients undergoing important medical procedures.

Key takeaways

The study explores if preparing for surgery helps recovery.
It involves a home-based program of exercise, diet, and breathing.
Participants will be split into two groups by chance.
Recovery will be compared 90 days after surgery.
The program is supported by an easy-to-use online platform.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 and older who are planning to have major surgery as an inpatient, meaning you'll stay in hospital for at least a couple of nights. This includes operations on your stomach area, chest, pelvis, head and neck, or blood vessels. You'll need to have internet access and an email address, as the prehabilitation program is online. Your surgery should also be scheduled between 3 and 12 weeks from when you might join the study.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you can't read or communicate in English, or if you can't give your own consent due to memory or thinking problems. People having certain heart, brain, or bone-related operations, or surgery that isn't aimed at curing a condition (like for comfort care), won't be able to take part. Also, if you have certain severe heart conditions that make it very hard to move around, or if you've had a heart attack very recently, 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 18 years old or older?
Are you having major surgery (like on your stomach, chest, or blood vessels)?
Will you be staying in hospital for at least two nights after your surgery?
Do you have internet access and an email address?
Is your surgery scheduled between 3 and 12 weeks from now?
Can you read and communicate in English?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in the STRIVE Before Surgery Trial, you'll first be asked to provide your consent. Then, by chance, you will be placed into one of two groups. Half of the participants will be in the 'prehabilitation' group. This means you will follow a home-based program of exercises, nutritional advice, and breathing exercises, supported by an online platform, in the weeks leading up to your surgery. The other half will be in the 'control' group, which means you will receive the usual care as you would normally before your operation.

Regardless of which group you are in, researchers will ask you about your health and how you feel about your ability to do daily activities. The most important check will happen 90 days (about three months) after your surgery. There will be no extra visits to the hospital required for this study beyond your normal surgical care. The main commitment is following the online program if you're in the prehabilitation group, and answering questions about your recovery.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially help you prepare better for your surgery, and some people in the prehabilitation group may find they recover more smoothly afterwards. However, it's also possible that the program might not make a significant difference for everyone. The exercises are designed to be safe and home-based, but as with any exercise, there's always a small chance of minor injury or discomfort. You also have the right to change your mind and withdraw from the study at any time, without giving a reason, and this will not affect the quality of your care.

Locations (1)

The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
Verified postcode
Ottawa, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'prehabilitation'?

It's like getting fit and mentally prepared for surgery, including exercise, good nutrition, and breathing techniques, to help you recover better.

Will I have to go to extra hospital appointments?

No, you won't need any extra hospital visits for the study beyond your usual appointments for your surgery.

How long will I be involved in the study?

Your involvement will be during the weeks before your surgery, and then a follow-up check will happen 90 days (about three months) after your operation.

What if I can't finish the online program?

You are free to stop participating in the program or the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Will I know if I'm in the exercise group or the standard care group?

Yes, if you're in the prehabilitation group, you'll be given access to the online program to start your preparations.

How to find out more

Emily Hladkowicz, PhD

emhladkowicz@toh.ca 613-798-5555 Official trial record

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