The benefits of Prehabilitation
21st November 2022
Prehabilitation or ‘prehab’ means getting ready for your treatment. Some people find they have months or even years before treatment is necessary while for others treatment after diagnosis may be immediate. Whatever the time you have, this is that golden window of opportunity to put yourself in the best possible position to take on whatever treatment related side effects may be coming your way.
Prehab can be broken down into three components:
- Nutrition, what you are eating and your weight
- Physical activity
- Mental well being
What are the benefits of prehabilitation?
- Improved tolerance to treatment
- Cope better with treatment related side effects
- Have fewer side effects
- Have more treatment choices
- Have better long-term health
- Reduce length of stay in hospital
- Enhance recovery following treatment
- Helps people feel more in control of their body and health
- Decreased hospital readmissions
What is exercise Prehab
Prehabilitation exercise interventions tend to focus on cardiovascular health and/ or strengthening before and during treatment or surgery.
Exercise prehab interventions will often be designed specifically for the individual however more general recommendations suggest:
- Working towards participating in 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic physical activity per week
- Taking part in two strength training sessions per week
- Taking part in exercises specific to address any specific weaknesses, disease related symptoms or potential treatment related side effects.
