Undergoing major surgery can be a daunting experience, and patients are often concerned about postoperative complications and their overall quality of life following the procedure. However, emerging research has shown that a short bout of preoperative high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can be a game-changer in improving outcomes for surgical patients. This groundbreaking meta-analysis, conducted by Kari Clifford, PhD, and colleagues from the Otago Medical School, University of Otago, New Zealand, sheds light on the potential benefits of preoperative HIIT for patients undergoing various major surgeries, such as liver, lung, colorectal, urologic, and mixed major abdominal operations.
The researchers delved into twelve studies encompassing 832 patients, with a mean age of 67, to compare the effects of preoperative HIIT with standard care for surgical patients. The HIIT program consisted of repeated aerobic high-intensity exercise intervals, reaching about 80% of maximum heart rate, interspersed with active recovery periods.
The primary outcome measured was the change in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) assessed through peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak) or the 6-minute walk test. The findings were striking: preoperative HIIT was associated with an impressive 10% increase in CRF, representing a significant improvement in physical and cognitive function. Patients who participated in preoperative HIIT experienced an increase in peak VO2 by 2.59 mL/kg/min, compared to those who received standard care.
Even more encouraging was the discovery that preoperative HIIT significantly reduced the odds of postoperative complications by more than half (OR, 0.44), based on the analysis of eight studies involving 770 patients. A closer look at abdominal surgery patients also revealed a similar apparent benefit (OR, 0.45). While some quality-of-life assessments showed no immediate post-HIIT improvements, there were significant benefits reported six weeks after surgery in certain cases.
These exciting findings suggest that preoperative HIIT has the potential to revolutionize prehabilitation programs and improve postoperative outcomes. The benefits of enhanced CRF, a reduced risk of postoperative complications, and the possibility of shorter hospital stays demonstrate the value of incorporating HIIT into standard preoperative care.
While it is true that the included studies in this meta-analysis had some limitations, such as variations in HIIT definitions and protocols, incomplete data reporting, limited sample sizes, and the lack of blinding in patient interventions, the overall results remain highly promising.
Preoperative high-intensity interval training is a beacon of hope for patients preparing for major surgery. Its ability to boost cardiorespiratory fitness and reduce the risk of postoperative complications may pave the way for a brighter and healthier recovery journey. Hospitals and healthcare professionals should take note of these findings and consider integrating preoperative HIIT into their prehabilitation programs to offer patients the best chance at a successful and satisfying surgical experience.
As with any medical intervention, personalized care and consultation with healthcare providers are essential. Patients and medical teams must work together to determine the most suitable preoperative approach for each individual, tailoring the exercise regimen to meet specific needs and surgical considerations.
By embracing preoperative HIIT, we can redefine the road to recovery and empower patients to face surgery with newfound confidence and strength. It is time to embrace the potential of HIIT and unlock its transformative impact on surgical outcomes.
SOURCE:
- Clifford, K., et al. (2023). Preoperative High-Intensity Interval Training and Postoperative Outcomes in Patients Slated for Major Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Network Open, 6(6), e4567. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.4567
