High-Intensity Exercise Prior to Surgery Can Drastically Reduce Post-Op Complications

In a groundbreaking study from the University of Otago, researchers have discovered that engaging in intense exercise before undergoing surgery can significantly enhance a patient’s recovery process. The study focused on high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which proved to be highly effective in reducing post-operative complications and hospital stays by up to 56 percent.

Dr. Kari Clifford, lead investigator, states, “We have found that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is safe and effective for surgical patients. A HIIT program can meaningfully improve a patient’s fitness within four to six weeks, and this reduces postoperative complications and length of stay.”

The research analyzed 12 studies encompassing 832 patients who underwent HIIT before their surgeries. The training involved repeated aerobic interval exercises at 80 percent of their maximum heart rate, followed by active recovery. Major surgeries, including liver, colorectal, urologic, and mixed major abdominal surgeries, were included in the study, with participants averaging 66 to 67 years of age.

Significantly, the study revealed a notable improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), a vital measure of the body’s ability to supply oxygen to muscles and organs during prolonged exercise.

“The pooled results suggest that HIIT increases cardiorespiratory fitness by 2.39 ml/min/kg. This is not only significantly different than standard surgical care, but is also clinically relevant: we know that this level of increase is associated with a lower risk of adverse postoperative outcomes,” adds Dr. Clifford.

Post-operative complications typically affect 30 percent of patients, rising to 50 percent in frail patients. However, HIIT demonstrated consistent reductions in cardiac complications, pneumonia, and post-operative bowel problems.

“Our study’s pooled results showed that HIIT reduces the risk of having a complication by 56 percent, which is substantial; and on average they stayed for three fewer days in the hospital,” explains Dr. Clifford.

The study’s findings indicate that a brief period of pre-surgery HIIT, even just four weeks, can significantly improve patient outcomes across various populations. While the evidence supports the effectiveness of HIIT in the recovery process, the next steps involve implementing these programs and incorporating them into surgical care.

Dr. Clifford emphasizes the potential cost-saving benefits of funding these exercise programs, as they may reduce hospital stays and surgical complications in the long term. In the meantime, it is never too late for patients to work on improving their fitness, as this can have a substantial impact on health outcomes in the surgical context. The research reaffirms the crucial role of exercise in overall health and highlights the importance of incorporating it consistently into daily routines.