EPOP 2- Peri -Operative Isometric Exercise Programme
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Basic Exercise Training To Enhance Recovery – : Evaluation of the feasibility of a perioperative isometric-resistance exercise intervention programme for patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery for cancer (EPOP2)
IRAS ID
209521
Contact name
Haythem Ali
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 30 days
Research summary
Every year in the UK, around 30,000 people have a cancer that requires surgery involving the torso (abdomen). People who have had this type of surgery often experience complications, including: breathing problems; and, in the longer- term, weight loss and muscle wastage. This can slow recovery, lead to further complications, and is distressing for the person.
There is a growing interest in how exercise might help cancer surgery patients’ recover. In particular, ‘resistance’ or strength training type exercises carried out shortly before and after surgery, might be helpful to counteract muscle wasting in this group of people.
There are specific types of strength exercises called ‘isometric-resistance’ (or static) that are known to be effective in increasing muscle strength. The advantage of this type of exercise is that it requires very little equipment and space, and it could be performed while patients are bed-bound in hospital or at home. However, there are very few studies of isometric-resistance exercise programmes in cancer surgery patients.
Our research group has developed an exercise programme that is based on the best available evidence. This has included: reviewing what was already known about using isometric exercises in this patient group; and consultation with experts (including patients, physiotherapists and other clinicians) on what might work, and what patients could reasonably be asked to do (EPOP1).
The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of delivering the exercise programme in a group of cancer surgery patients; and the feasibility of conducting a clinical trial to evaluate whether it works (EPOP2).
REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/1983
Date of REC Opinion
16 Jan 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion