High-Intensity Interval vs. Moderate Continuous Training in Surgical Prehabilitation.

High-Intensity Interval Training Versus Moderate Continuous Training in Multimodal Prehabilitation for Colorectal Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Surgery is a stressful procedure associate with perioperative physical impairment. In a previous study, the investigators showed that physical fitness could be optimize in surgical patients using prehabilitation, a preoperative conditioning intervention in form of exercise, nutrition and relaxation technique. The best modality of exercise has yet to be known.The purpose of this study is to compare high interval (HIT) vs. moderate continuous intensity (MC) training, integrated in a prehabilitation intervention in colorectal surgical patients.

All patients will receive prehabilitation preoperatively for 4 weeks, that is composed of 3 elements, exercise, nutritional supplements and psychological coping strategies. Both exercise protocol will be supervised, 3-time per week, in-hospital programs. Patients will be randomized to perform either HIT or MC training. Exercise intensity will be defined and personalized on the individual values at cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). Patients' nutritional status and dietary intake will be assessed by the nutritionist, and supplement will be prescribed if needed to achieve a daily intake of 1.5 g protein/kg. Perioperative care will follow the McGill Surgical Recovery Pathway, also called Enhanced Recovery Program, which is an evidence-based care plan set up by the Surgical Recovery (SuRe) multidisciplinary committee of the McGill University Health Centre.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subjects eligible to enter the study will include those aged 18 and above and referred electively for resection of malignant colorectal lesions.

Exclusion Criteria:

• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) health status class 4-5 or co-morbid medical, physical and mental conditions interfering with the ability to perform exercise at home or to complete the testing procedures. Poor English and French comprehension.