Fit for Surgery and Beyond: Supporting Patients on the Waiting List
SASP and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust have been working together to support people awaiting hip and knee replacement surgery through the Fit for Surgery and Beyond programme.
Developed for patients on the waiting list, the six week programme focused on improving cardiovascular fitness and strength to help people feel better prepared for surgery and recovery. Thirteen participants took part overall, engaging either through live instructor led sessions or home based options using written programmes and pre-recorded videos.
The live intervention consisted of a six week cardiovascular and strength programme delivered by Level 3 Exercise on Referral instructors. Each session included a short education and question and answer segment covering topics such as lifestyle, goal setting, pain management and the wider benefits of physical activity. The home based option followed the same structure but allowed participants to use written guidance or recorded sessions at a time that suited them.
On average, those attending live sessions completed 9 out of 12 sessions. Non live participants completed an average of 11 sessions across the six week period. Feedback from participants was strongly positive. Many reported improvements in strength and cardiovascular fitness, feeling mentally stronger, gaining confidence and noticing clear physical benefits. Several said they intended to continue exercising after surgery, with one participant commenting that the course significantly improved their cardiovascular system and strengthened muscles needed for surgery and recovery.
Fitness testing showed measurable improvements. Live session participants recorded an average 195 percent improvement in the Sit to Stand test and a 35 percent improvement in the 5 metre walk test. Non live participants also improved, including gains in both strength and walking pace, even where pain had previously been a barrier. Duke Activity Score Index results also increased across both groups, reflecting improved functional capacity.
Participants in the live sessions reported greater changes in weekly physical activity levels, confidence that activity would benefit their osteoarthritis, motivation to stay active for surgery and confidence to be active at home and in the community. Those in the non live group reported strong improvements in their knowledge of the general benefits of physical activity.
Importantly, 100 percent of participants agreed that exercise makes a difference, helped them feel better prepared for surgery, would be recommended to others on the waiting list and that they would continue being physically active as a result of the intervention.
The learning from this programme highlights the importance of clear expectations, professional support and building confidence, particularly for those who may feel unsure about exercising alone or managing pain.
Fit for Surgery and Beyond demonstrates that structured, supportive physical activity can play a vital role in preparing patients for surgery and supporting longer term health and wellbeing.
For more information, contact Lianne Clarke, Health Development Manager.