Preoperative High-Intensity Interval Training Shows Promise in Reducing Surgical Complications

Key takeaways:

• Preoperative high-intensity interval training (HIIT) demonstrates potential in lowering postoperative complications.
• Patients respond well to HIIT due to the interval-based exercise structure and group participation.
• A recent systematic review and meta-analysis support the positive associations between HIIT and improved exercise capacity and reduced complications.
• More well-designed, prospective studies are needed to further investigate the benefits of HIIT in preoperative fitness programs.

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis have shed light on the potential benefits of preoperative high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in reducing surgical complications. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, suggests that HIIT, characterized by repeated aerobic high-intensity intervals followed by active recovery, can enhance exercise capacity and contribute to better surgical outcomes.

Led by John C. Woodfield, PhD, a senior lecturer at the University of Otago in New Zealand, the research team investigated the role of HIIT in improving preoperative fitness and postoperative outcomes. The study highlighted that patients find HIIT enjoyable due to the structured intervals, allowing time for recovery between intense exercise periods. Additionally, group participation and involvement of exercise partners were found to enhance the success of training programs.

The analysis encompassed 12 studies involving 832 patients and revealed several positive associations between preoperative HIIT and improved exercise capacity as well as reduced postoperative complications when compared to standard care. Notably, moderate-quality evidence showed a significant improvement in peak oxygen consumption across eight studies, involving 627 patients. Furthermore, eight studies with 770 patients demonstrated moderate-quality evidence of a notable reduction in complications.

However, the analysis did not find evidence of a difference in hospital length of stay when comparing HIIT with standard care. The researchers also highlighted the need for additional well-designed, prospective studies to further explore the benefits of HIIT in preoperative fitness programs.

According to Woodfield, most individuals, including those with health issues, can enhance their fitness over a four-week period before surgery through supervised HIIT. He emphasized that incorporating HIIT into prehabilitation programs could lead to fewer complications, faster recovery, and potentially shorter hospital stays.

Based on the findings, primary care providers are encouraged to advocate for active prehabilitation programs, which should include HIIT, to maximize patient outcomes. The significant reduction in complications observed through HIIT interventions underscores the potential impact on patient well-being.