Exercise before surgery improves outcomes and shortens recovery time - new research
A systematic review of 42 studies suggests that prehabilitation, specifically exercise before surgery, significantly improves patient recovery outcomes. The research indicates that both supervised and unsupervised home-based exercise programs offer benefits for patients preparing for major operations.
Why it matters
Understanding effective pre-surgery preparation can reduce hospital stays and improve long-term health outcomes for millions of patients undergoing major procedures.
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Kari Clifford , University of Otago Globally, about two in three people will need major surgery at some point in their lives.
While preparing for a major operation, patients usually focus on the surgery itself. But recovery also places a substantial demand on the body.
Having enough cardiorespiratory reserve – the body’s spare capacity to meet a sudden increase in demand for oxygen, be it from walking up hill or dealing with an infection – is important.
This also helps people cope with the stress of surgery, inflammation and the effort of getting mobile again.
Using the time before surgery to improve a person’s physical fitness and readiness for recovery is called “prehabilitation”. This can include exercise, nutritional support, psychological preparation and making sure other medical conditions are under control.
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