Maximizing Surgical Recovery: High-Intensity ‘Prehab’ Exercise Proven Beneficial

Engaging in brief but high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in the weeks leading up to surgery has demonstrated significant benefits, aiding cardiorespiratory fitness improvement and minimizing postoperative complications, reveals recent research.

The study, examining 12 research projects involving 832 patients, compared the impact of “prehab” high-intensity workouts to standard care. Published in Jama Network Open, the research focused on HIIT, a workout method involving short bursts of vigorous exercise followed by rest.

The Power of Short HIIT Sessions

The analysis showcased that short sessions of HIIT in the weeks preceding surgery can substantially enhance cardiorespiratory fitness, particularly critical for patients undergoing major surgeries. HIIT, known for its brevity and effectiveness, has been recognized as a valuable intervention in the limited time frame between diagnosis and surgery.

In the studied sessions, some HIIT workouts lasted as little as 18 to 20 minutes, emphasizing the efficiency of this popular exercise form in rapidly improving fitness levels. Kari Clifford, the first author of the review and a research fellow at the University of Otago in New Zealand, highlighted that HIIT can make people fitter in a shorter span.

Fitness Improvement with HIIT

The majority of patients involved in the review underwent major abdominal surgeries. The results indicated a meaningful improvement in patients’ fitness levels before surgery, measured through various indicators like the six-minute walk test and enhancements in peak oxygen uptake. Peak oxygen uptake is crucial for postoperative recovery, as the body requires oxygen for healing.

A notable 2022 study incorporated in the review focused on participants aged 45 to 85 undergoing major abdominal surgery. The study compared 14 sessions of HIIT over four weeks to standard care, which typically includes general advice on staying active and reducing alcohol and smoking. The HIIT sessions involved 30 minutes of stationary cycling with alternating one-minute intervals of high-intensity cycling and active recovery.

Lowering Risks and Postoperative Complications

Beyond the fitness gains, HIIT exercises before surgery demonstrated a remarkable 56 percent reduction in the odds of postoperative complications, based on eight studies involving 770 patients. Clifford’s 2022 study, part of the meta-analysis, personally tracked participants during hospital stays, recording complications and sending follow-up questionnaires.

While the research suggested a potential three-day reduction in the length of hospital stays with prehab HIIT exercises, statistical significance was not achieved, warranting further investigation.

Assessing the Comparative Effectiveness

Notably, the review did not compare HIIT to other exercise interventions, leaving questions about its relative effectiveness compared to other modalities like moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. Daniel McIsaac, an associate professor at the University of Ottawa, emphasizes the need for further research to determine whether HIIT surpasses traditional forms of exercise for prehabilitation.

In conclusion, the review suggests that increasing physical activity and improving nutrition before surgery can yield better outcomes. For those inclined toward high-intensity interval training, the evidence supports its potential benefits. However, traditional forms of exercise may offer similar benefits, calling for a tailored approach based on individual preferences and goals.