• Emma R J Bruns, Tanja E Argillander, Henk Jan Schuijt, Peter van Duijvendijk, Edwin S van der Zaag, Eelco B Wassenaar, Michael F Gerhards, Esther C Consten, Christianne J Buskens, Barbara C van Munster, and Willem A Bemelman.
• From the Department of Surgery, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (ERJB, CJB, WAB); Department of Surgery, Gelre Hospitals, Apeldoorn, The Netherlands (ERJB, TEA, HJS, PvD, ESvdZ, EBW); Department of Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands (TEA, BCvM); Department of Surgery, OLVG Hospitals, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (MFG); Department of Surgery, Meander Medical Center, Amersfoort, The Netherlands (ECC); and Department of Geriatric Medicine, Gelre Hospitals, Apeldoorn, The Netherlands (BCvM).
• Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2019 May 1; 98 (5): 399-406.

ObjectiveThe preoperative phase is a potential window of opportunity. Although frail elderly patients are known to be more prone to postoperative complications, they are often not considered capable of accomplishing a full prehabilitation program. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of Fit4SurgeryTV, an at-home prehabilitation program specifically designed for frail older patients with colorectal cancer.DesignThe Fit4SurgeryTV program consisted of a daily elderly adapted computer-supported strength training workout and two protein-rich meals. Frail patients 70 yrs or older with colorectal cancer were included. The program was considered feasible if 80% of the patients would be able to complete 70% of the program.ResultsFourteen patients (median age, 79 yrs; 5 males) participated. At baseline, 86% patients were physically impaired and 64% were at risk for malnourishment. The median duration of the program was 26 days. The program was feasible as patients followed the exercises for 6 (86%) of 7 days and prepared the recipes 5 (71%) of 7 d/wk. Patients specifically appreciated at-home exercises.ConclusionsThis study showed that at-home prehabilitation in frail older patients with colorectal cancer is feasible. As a result, patients might be fitter for surgery and might recover faster. The perioperative period could serve as a pivotal time point in reverting complications of immobility.

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