Actively Recruiting
Feasibility and Correlation of Functional Muscle Strength Tests and Objective Frailty Measures With Clinical Frailty Scale in Patients Undergoing Major Surgery
Led by University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill · Updated on 2026-01-28
100
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
8 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying whether simple tests for frailty and muscle strength can help predict which adults aged 65 and older face higher risks of problems after major abdominal surgery. This observational study aims to see if these quick assessments can be easily included in routine pre-surgical visits and if they can effectively predict postoperative complications. The goal is to improve how risks are assessed before surgery using various measures of frailty. Participants will undergo a series of brief tests during their usual preoperative clinic visit. These tests include evaluating frailty with the Clinical Frailty Scale, measuring respiratory muscle strength with handheld devices, assessing hand-grip strength, performing the Timed Up-and-Go test, estimating skeletal muscle mass via bioelectrical impedance, measuring muscle thickness using ultrasound, screening cognitive function with the Mini-Cog test, and assessing nutritional risk using the Perioperative Nutrition Screen. All tests are performed by trained staff and take about 20 minutes. After surgery, researchers will review participants' medical records at 30 and 90 days to identify any complications or health issues. During the study, participants complete these physical and cognitive assessments only once during their pre-surgical visit. Researchers collect and validate data carefully with quality assurance plans including equipment calibration and data checks. The main measures include how feasible it is to add these tests into routine care and how well the frailty assessments predict complications after surgery. Participants are observed through medical records for up to 90 days after surgery to monitor outcomes. The study is expected to enroll about 100 participants and continues through August 2026.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Frailty and Muscle Strength Tests in Older Adults Undergoing Major Surgery
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 65 years or older
- Scheduled for elective major abdominal surgery including colorectal, hepatobiliary, gynecologic, or urologic procedures
- Able to attend a routine preoperative evaluation visit
- Able and willing to complete brief assessments for muscle strength, walking, breathing strength, memory, and nutrition
You will not qualify if you...
- Emergency surgery
- Unable to walk independently (for example, dependent on a wheelchair or bed-bound)
- Significant cognitive impairment that prevents understanding or completing study tests
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - At the time of the preoperative assessment
Participants undergo a structured frailty and muscle-strength assessment battery during their routine preoperative evaluation. This includes assessments of functional frailty, respiratory muscle strength, hand-grip strength, physical performance, skeletal muscle mass, muscle thickness, cognitive function, and nutritional risk.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 90 days postoperatively
Participants' medical records are reviewed postoperatively at 30 and 90 days to identify and document complications, ICU admissions, hospital length of stay, discharge disposition, and mortality.
2 medical record reviews (no in-person visits)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States, 27599
Actively Recruiting
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
0
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