Prehabilitation for Patients Undergoing Lung Cancer Surgery

Major surgery has been linked to running a marathon as in both represent large endeavours where the body will experience an increase in demands to supply the necessary energy. It has been alledged that, as one would train to prepare for a marathon, the same should be applied to surgery. The process of getting ready and/or fitter for surgery is frequently referred to as prehabilitation and it usually involves interventions on improving nutrition and diet, getting fit and improve emotional wellness. Prehabilitation can improve the recovery after surgery and reduce the time spent in hospital afterwards. This research seeks to determine whether a home based program of increased physical activity and breathing training can improve patients' physical and respiratory function in preparation for lung cancer surgery.

Patients with lung cancer who are scheduled to undergo lung resection surgery will be provided with a digitally-enabled, remotely-monitored prehablitation program. The intervention will consist of the following components: i) general education; ii) inspiratory muscle training; iii) physical activity coaching; and iv) home-based exercise training. The program will be supported with a mobile app and weekly telehealth sessions with one experienced physiotherapist. Participants will be assessed at baseline and at the end of the intervention, prior to surgery. Participants will be contacted and scheduled to undergo face-to-face assessments on lung function, respiratory muscle strength, and functional capacity both at baseline and after the prehabilitation program.

Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of lung cancer and scheduled for lung resection surgery * Ability to understand and speak English to follow instructions and complete the intended assessments. * Age ≥ 18 years at the point of baseline screening * Provide written informed consent for the trial * Sufficient digital literacy to use a smartphone and mobile app * No contraindications for exercise Exclusion Criteria: * Other cancer diagnoses than lung cancer * Surgery scheduled in less than one week * Unstable psychiatric, cognitive or substance abuse disorders that would interfere with cooperation with the requirements of the trial