Home-Based Prehabilitation Program for Patients Awaiting Heart Bypass Surgery (CABGpreHAB)

For patients with ischemic heart disease who need coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, the waiting period before the operation can be stressful. Many patients experience frailty, multiple health problems, and low physical activity levels – factors that can make recovery after surgery more difficult. The CABGpreHAB study explores whether a special home-based preparation program can help patients build strength and resilience before their heart surgery.

This innovative program combines three key components: supervised exercise training delivered through video calls, nutritional guidance, and psychological support. Patients receive personalized workouts from physiotherapists via tablet, weekly check-ins with specialized nurses, and advice on managing stress and improving diet. The goal is to help patients enter surgery in the best possible condition, which may lead to faster recovery and better outcomes.

The study specifically looks at how practical and acceptable this approach is for Danish patients awaiting elective CABG surgery. Researchers will measure how many patients participate and stick with the program, whether they complete the recommended sessions, and if any safety concerns emerge. Secondary measurements examine changes in physical strength, walking ability, body composition, and mental health before and after surgery.

For heart surgery patients and their families, this research represents an important opportunity to take an active role in preparing for surgery. Rather than passively waiting, patients can work on improving their health during the weeks before their operation. The home-based nature of the program makes it accessible, while professional supervision ensures safety. Caregivers may appreciate that the program addresses not just physical needs but also emotional wellbeing and nutrition.

If successful, this approach could change how we prepare patients for major heart surgery. The study builds on growing evidence that patients' condition before surgery significantly impacts their recovery. By strengthening the body and mind beforehand, patients might experience fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and quicker return to normal activities. While the program requires commitment from participants, the potential benefits for recovery and quality of life make this an exciting development in cardiac care.

For the broader medical community, this feasibility study represents an important step toward potentially implementing prehabilitation as standard practice. As populations age and patients present with more complex health profiles, such proactive approaches may become increasingly valuable. The multimodal nature of the intervention – addressing physical, nutritional and psychological factors simultaneously – reflects modern understanding of holistic patient care. Success in this trial could pave the way for larger studies and eventual clinical implementation, benefiting future patients facing heart surgery.