Cancer patients in parts of the UK are to have prescribed exercise sessions before they undergo operations after it was found physical activity could increase life expectancy and aid recovery from surgery.
Research carried out in a pilot study in 2014 by Southampton University found that exercise before cancer surgery helped prevent complications, speed up recovery time and reduce re-admissions.
The study has lead to the launch of a £2.3million scheme across Hampshire and Dorset that will see 1,500 people awaiting operations for liver, bowel, stomach or gullet cancer given thrice-weekly sessions in the gym.
Patients will have had chemotherapy or radiotherapy before they begin the scheduled sessions and researchers will analyse the results exercise has on their treatment.
Researchers at Southampton University found that using an exercise bike just three times a week in guided sessions led to those who took part in the 2014 study leaving hospital earlier than those who didn’t exercise.
The study’s lead, Dr Sandy Jack from Southampton University, said: “This is extremely exciting. It will widen access to something that we’ve shown changes patients’ well-being.”
Professor Mike Grocott from the university added: “We know that patients who are physically fitter recover better from surgery across a range of outcomes, so it is now important we try to increase access to some of these pioneering practices.”
A similar study is also currently underway in Norwich and Norfolk.