Gastro-intestinal (GI) and lung cancer are among the most common types of cancer. Surgery is often necessary, but may lead to a decline in daily functioning and reduced quality of life. Many patients experience an incomplete or delayed recovery of physical functioning.
Improving physical activity (PA) before and after surgery has the potential to reduce complications and to promote faster functional recovery.
In addition to stimulating PA, it is also important to stimulate protein intake, as previous studies have shown that many surgical patients were unable to meet their protein needs, which may affect their functional recovery.
We will conduct a multicentre randomized controlled trial in patients with GI or lung cancer scheduled for major surgery. The primary outcome is the course of postoperative physical functioning measured with the Dutch-Flemish Patient Reported Outcome Measure Information System for Physical Functioning (PROMIS-PF).
Patients in the intervention group receive an accelerometer and feedback app prior to surgery. Via the app the patients and physiotherapist have insight in their daily PA-level. Personalized advice on protein intake will be based on PA-level measured with the accelerometer. Patients can also monitor their protein intake via the app.
Coaching by a physiotherapist on PA, protein intake and resuming daily activities will be during hospitalization and after discharge. Personal goals on the level of activity will be made based on the ‘patient specific goal setting’ method. Behavioural Change Techniques will be used to stimulate PA and protein intake. Patients in the control group receive usual peri-operative care.
Involved researchers:
- Dr. Chris Dijkhoff;