Two moderate quality studies(24, 25) examined the effectiveness of supervised exercise interventions in patients awaiting abdominal aortic aneurysm repair surgery. Both studies were hospital-based, physiotherapist-led exercise programs, lasting between 4-6 consecutive weeks, comprising 3 sessions per week. Exercises consisted of strength and resistance training(24) and High-intensity interval training(25). The control groups in both studies received usual care.
The evidence of effectiveness of supervised exercise prehabilitation interventions for patients on wait lists for abdominal aortic aneurysm repair surgery is inconsistent for the following outcomes:
Aerobic Fitness:
Inconsistent (two moderate quality studies; inconsistent effects across studies)(24, 25).
The evidence of effectiveness of supervised exercise prehabilitation interventions for patients on wait lists for abdominal aortic aneurysm repair surgery is lacking for the following outcomes:
Total Exercise Time (seconds):
Might be effective (one moderate quality study showing a significant effect for the intervention group and no significant effect for the control; however no between-group comparison reported)(24).
Health-Related Quality of Life:
Might not be effective (one moderate quality study, showing no effect for intervention when compared to control)(25).
Exercise adherence, exercise enjoyment and safety:
One moderate quality study, showing most patients adhered to and enjoyed the exercise program; there was one adverse event reported [angina])(25).
Evidence service comments:
One study(24) only reported the within-group changes, and did not perform any between-group analysis, therefore these results should be interpreted with more caution.
Both studies were conducted in the UK(24, 25), therefore may be generalisable to the Welsh context.
The intervention took place in patients waiting for abdominal aortic aneurysm repair surgery and therefore may not be applicable to patients waiting for other elective surgeries.
It is suggested that further robust research and thorough evaluation of impact is needed.