Patients with poor baseline walking capacity are most likely to improve their functional status with multimodal prehabilitation

Background Evidence suggests that multimodal prehabilitation programs comprising interventions directed at physical activity, nutrition, and anxiety coping can improve functional recovery after colorectal cancer operations; however, such programs may be more clinically meaningful and cost-effective if targeted to specific subgroups. This study aimed to estimate the extent to which patients with poor baseline functional capacity improve their functional capacity. Methods Data for 106 participants enrolled in a multimodal, prehabilitation program before colorectal operations were analyzed. Low baseline functional capacity was defined as a 6-minute walking test distance (6MWD) of less than 400 m. Participants were categorized as higher fitness (6MWD ≥ 400 m, n = 70) or lower fitness (6MWD