Short term high-intensity interval training in patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery increases aerobic fitness

Abstract

Abstract Background Prehabilitation may improve postoperative clinical outcomes among patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. This study evaluated the potential effects of a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program performed before major abdominal surgery on patients’ cardiorespiratory fitness and functional ability (secondary outcomes of pilot trial NCT02953119). Methods Patients were included before surgery to engage in a low-volume HIIT program with 3 sessions per week for 3 weeks. Cardiopulmonary exercise and 6-min walk (6MWT) testing were performed pre- and post-prehabilitation. Results Fourteen patients completed an average of 8.6 ± 2.2 (mean ± SD) sessions during a period of 27.9 ± 6.1 days. After the program, $$\dot{\mathrm{V}}$$ V ˙ O2 peak (+ 2.4 ml min−1 kg−1, 95% CI 0.8–3.9, p = 0.006), maximal aerobic power (+ 16.8 W, 95% CI 8.2–25.3, p = 0.001), $$\dot{\mathrm{V}}$$ V ˙ O2 at anaerobic threshold (+ 1.2 ml min−1 kg−1, 95%CI 0.4–2.1, p = 0.009) and power at anaerobic threshold (+ 12.4 W, 95%CI 4.8–20, p = 0.004) were improved. These changes were not accompanied by improved functional capacity (6MWT: + 2.6 m, 95% CI (− 19.6) to 24.8, p = 0.800). Conclusion A short low-volume HIIT program increases cardiorespiratory fitness but not walking capacity in patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery. These results need to be confirmed by larger studies.