Assessing The Effectiveness of a Preoperative High Intensity Interval Training Programme In Older Colorectal Cancer Patients

Effectiveness of Short Term, High Intensity, Interval Exercise Training in Older Colorectal Cancer Patients in Improving Preoperative Fitness

The primary aim of this study is to determine whether an improvement in aerobic fitness, as judged by an increase in VO2peak, can be achieved within 31 days via HIT programme in a group of older, colorectal cancer patients.

12 high intensity interval training exercise sessions on a static cycle ergometer, over a period of 31 days. Each session lasts 18 minutes.

At the beginning and end of the study the following measures will be used to assess change in fitness, body composition and muscle metabolism. DXA scan, USS of thigh, VO2 peak cycling test, short performance battery tests, quality of life questionnaires and muscle biopsy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Confirmed colorectal cancer
• Offered curative treatment by the Royal Derby Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Colorectal Cancer Multidisciplinary Team
• Male and female
• 18-88 years of age

Exclusion Criteria:

• Uncontrolled hypertension (BP > 160/100),
• Angina,
• Heart failure (class III/IV),
• Cardiac arrthymias,
• Right to left cardiac shunt,
• Recent cardiac event,
• Previous stroke/TIA,
• Aneurysm (large vessel or intracranial),
• Severe respiratory disease including pulmonary hypertension,
• COPD/asthma with an FEV1 less than 1.5 l,
• Coagulation disorders,
• Scarring disorders.
• Current neoadjuvant chemo/radiotherapy
• Inability to complete the consent process Involvement in invasive research study in previous 3 months.