Clinical Research Directory

Feasibility of Physical Prehabilitation for High-Risk Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery Via Sternotomy

Rationale Cardiac surgery via median sternotomy carries an elevated risk of postoperative complications and delayed functional recovery. Preoperative physical therapy aims to reduce the incidence and severity of postoperative adverse outcomes and to accelerate functional recovery. However, current evidence on prehabilitation is inconsistent due to methodological heterogeneity. This study addresses the limitations of previous studies in four ways. First, a validated preoperative prediction model is used to select patients at high risk of in-hospital postoperative complications and delayed functional recovery. Second, a Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET) is performed at baseline to guide safe and effective intensity prescription. Third, as different patient populations are expected to benefit from different training programs, the prehabilitation program is tailored to the surgical indication: patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) receive high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) receive moderate continuous training. Fourth, physical activity and self-management are promoted by using a wearable physical activity monitor and Shared Decision-Making (SDM) to stimulate and track daily physical activity. Primary Objective To investigate the feasibility of a personalized, procedure-specific prehabilitation program (four to six weeks) for high-risk patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery via sternotomy, with respect to recruitment, adherence, drop-out, safety, and acceptance. The program consists of two physiotherapist-supervised group training sessions per week, promotion of physical activity, and unsupervised home-based exercise. Secondary Objective To provide a preliminary evaluation of participant responses to the intervention, focusing on changes in cardiorespiratory fitness (WRpeak), peripheral muscle strength (1RM), inspiratory muscle strength (MIP), physical activity (time spent active per day), and health-related quality of life (SF-36). Study design A prospective, single-center, longitudinal, mixed-methods pilot study conducted at Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+). Study population High-risk patients (n=24), defined by EuroSCORE II, who are scheduled for elective cardiac surgery via sternotomy (CABG or AVR). Main study parameters/endpoints The primary endpoint is the feasibility of the prehabilitation intervention with respect to recruitment, adherence, drop-out, safety, and acceptance. Burden Participation involves a structured time commitment with clinic and home components. Total supervised clinic time is estimated at 11-15 hours, covering two baseline assessments, 8-12 training sessions, and the final evaluation and interview. Total time at home is estimated at 16.5-19 hours, covering daily diary completion and unsupervised home exercises. These ranges depend on the patient's time to surgery. Risks and mitigation The risk of acute cardiac events during exercise is elevated in this high-risk population. This risk is mitigated by strict adherence to NVVC/MUMC+ absolute stop criteria, continuous medical supervision during all testing and training sessions, and individualized intensity prescription based on CPET. The risk is considered acceptable in relation to the scientific value of studying this specific high-risk cohort, which makes the study group-related. Benefit and group relatedness Direct clinical benefit cannot be guaranteed, as this is a feasibility study. However, patients receive an intensive, personalized prehabilitation program that is designed to reduce the incidence and severity of postoperative adverse outcomes.

Evaluation of Dora Care for Supporting Fracture Liaison Services (FLS)

What is the study about? This study is testing "Dora", an AI-powered assistant that can make phone calls to patients, for use in the Fracture Liaison Service (FLS). The FLS is a clinic that helps prevent more bone fractures after an initial "fragility fracture" (a break that happens easily, usually due to osteoporosis). Why is this being done? FLS clinicians often have to spend a lot of time on routine phone calls for assessments and follow-ups. If Dora can safely and accurately collect patient information, it might save time for staff and still give patients a good experience. What will happen to patients in the study? Invitation and consent - Patients with a new fragility fracture who are eligible will be invited to take part after informed consent. Dora call - Patients will receive an automated phone call from Dora, at the start of their FLS pathway and at follow-up. At intake, Dora will ask about risk factors for bone problems (e.g., smoking, alcohol use, family fracture history). At follow-up, Dora will ask about medication use, side effects, falls, or new fractures. Clinician call - Soon after, patients will have their usual phone appointment with an FLS clinician, who asks similar questions. Surveys/interviews - Patients will be asked to complete a short questionnaire and take part in an optional interview to say how they felt about talking to Dora. What about clinicians? Clinicians involved in the FLS pathway will be asked to complete a short survey and to take part in an optional interview to understand how useful Dora's reports might be in their work. Who can take part? Patients - Age 50+, English-speaking, with a new fragility fracture, and able to use the phone. Clinicians - Those working in FLS or similar bone health services. How long will it take? Each patient might be involved for up to about 7 months. The whole study will take about a year.