Evaluating a Structured Exercise Program with Telerehabilitation for Adults with Severe Obesity Undergoing Bariatric Surgery

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether a structured exercise program supported by telerehabilitation can help adults with severe obesity who are preparing for bariatric surgery. The study aims to determine if this program, which includes supervised and home-based workouts, leads to greater body fat loss and improved lower-limb strength compared to usual care. It also examines effects on body composition, physical function, quality of life, cardiovascular fitness, and genetic and metabolic factors in this population. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups the intervention group follows a structured exercise program before and after surgery, while the control group receives standard care including nutritional counseling and general health advice. The exercise program includes a 26-week prehabilitation phase with aerobic and strength exercises done in person or remotely 2-4 times per week, a flexible pre-surgery maintenance period, a 20-week post-surgery rehabilitation phase focused on recovery and strength, and a long-term self-guided maintenance phase. Both groups receive medical checkups and nutrition counseling. Throughout the study, participants undergo various assessments including measurements of BMI, body composition, physical function tests like the Sit-to-Stand and 6-Minute Walk Test, quality of life questionnaires, daily physical activity tracked by pedometers, and blood tests for metabolic and genetic analysis. Researchers monitor adherence to exercise sessions and evaluate primary outcomes such as fat mass percentage and lower-limb strength at multiple time points before and after surgery. The study also includes a substudy focused solely on postoperative rehabilitation and maintenance.

Exercise to Fight Obesity