Surgery outcomes improved by one-on-one prehabilitation care

Published: Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 3:30 pm

Personalized Prehab Improves Surgical Outcomes, Study Finds

A new study published in *JAMA Surgery* reveals that patients undergoing major elective surgery can significantly improve their outcomes by participating in personalized "prehabilitation" programs. Researchers found that patients who received one-on-one coaching prior to surgery experienced better physical and mental fitness, improved immune function, and fewer post-surgical complications compared to those who received standard pre-surgery advice.

The study compared two groups of patients. One group of 27 patients received a personalized prehab program, including twice-weekly remote coaching sessions with a physical therapist and a doctor. This coaching provided tailored advice on exercise, nutrition, and stress reduction, adapted to each patient's individual needs and progress. The other group of 27 patients received standard pre-surgery guidance, including exercise guidance, nutritional recommendations, stress reduction tips, and access to a brain training app.

The results showed a clear advantage for the personalized prehab group. They demonstrated significant improvements in physical and mental fitness prior to surgery. Furthermore, the personalized program appeared to boost the immune system, reducing the likelihood of overreacting immune responses and lowering baseline inflammation. This, in turn, led to fewer major complications after surgery. Only four patients in the personalized program experienced post-surgery complications, compared to eleven in the standard prehab group.

Researchers emphasized that prehab prepares the body for the trauma of surgery by training not only physical resilience but also immunological, neurocognitive, and psychological states. They noted that patients who undergo surgery are often in an overly inflammatory state, which can lead to a less efficient immune response. The personalized program appeared to normalize immune responses in some cells linked to post-surgical cognitive decline, which affects up to half of patients after major surgery.

The study's findings highlight the importance of proactive preparation for surgery. Researchers suggest that patients preparing for surgery start with one small behavior change, such as improving nutrition, exercise, or sleep.

BNN's Perspective: This study provides compelling evidence for the benefits of personalized prehabilitation. While the concept of preparing for surgery isn't new, the study's emphasis on individualized coaching and its positive impact on immune function and complication rates is noteworthy. The findings underscore the importance of patient engagement and proactive healthcare, suggesting that a relatively small investment in pre-surgery preparation can yield significant improvements in patient outcomes.

Keywords: prehabilitation, surgery, personalized coaching, immune system, post-surgery complications, exercise, nutrition, mental fitness, elective surgery, JAMA Surgery

Full Story