Introduction/Background The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of prehabilitation program based on six-minute walking test (6MWT) introduced to ovarian cancer patient.

Methodology 52 ovarian cancer patients FIGO III were included in the study. Participants was randomly assigned to controls (n=24) and prehabilitation group (n=28). 3 weeks before surgery, prehabilitation group were tested for Muscle Action Potential (MAP) using LUNA EMG and with 6MWT (to calculate VO2max), and were instructed to perform physical training at home. All patients were assessed one day before surgery – laboratory tests, LUNA, and 6MWT were performed. Changes in MAP and VO2max were used as objective measurement of compliance with physical prehabilitation. Mean time to resume physical activity, hospital duration and peri/postoperative complication rate were analyzed.

Results The mean age in prehabilitation group and controls was 58.2±11.7 vs 59.2±12.1, respectively. No significant difference between groups in VO2max measured one day before surgery was noted – 15.3 vs 14.8 mL/kg-1·min-1, respectively. The mean maximal MAP (LUNA) was 144.8 mV and 87.4 mV, respectively. The mean hospital stay was 5.89±2.9 and 8.43±3.5 days, respectively (p=0.003). The mean time to start physical activity was 9.9±6.5 vs 16.1±9.1 hours, respectively (p=0.02). 2 patients from prehabilitation group were sent to intensive care unit postoperatively vs 3 in controls. Readmission to hospital was required in 1 vs 3 women, respectively. All differences were not significant. In prehabilitation group LUNA results and VO2max measured at the beginning of prehabilitation and one day before surgery showed statistically significant improvement: 100.8 mV vs 144.8 mV and 14.7 vs 15.3 mL/kg-1·min-1, respectively (p=0.04 and p=0.01).

Conclusion Introducing the prehabilitation program reduces duration of hospital stay with no major influence on pre and postoperative complications. LUNA and 6MWT (VO2max) may serve as indicator for compliance with physical prehabilitation in ovarian cancer patients.