Variabilidad de la frecuencia cardiaca para la evaluación de la capacidad funcional en programas de rehabilitación multimodal en cirugía del adulto: Protocolo Estudio PreANI

Background and objectives

Despite the implementation of multimodal rehabilitation programs, postoperative complications are common in some surgeries, and patient recovery is not as rapid as expected. This study was designed to evaluate whether postoperative outcomes can be improved by assessing preoperative functional reserve and frailty on the basis of heart rate variability, specifically energy and the ANIm value, in patients following prehabilitation programs.

Material and method

Prospective, observational cohort study that will include patients undergoing colorectal oncology surgery within a multimodal rehabilitation program. Patients will be monitored with the ANI device at 2 time points: initial (first pre-anaesthesia consultation, 4 weeks before surgery) and second consultation (1 week before surgery). Data will be collected on heart rate variability, energy, and ANIm values, cardiopulmonary exercise test scores, and other parameters.

Results

We will analyse the correlation between heart rate variability indices and current functional assessment parameters, physiological reserve, and frailty (ASA scale, 6-minute walk test, MUST scale, and Clinical Frailty Scale). Our hypothesis is that higher energy levels will correlate with better postoperative outcomes, fewer complications, and shorter hospital stays. Statistical analysis will respect all principles of confidentiality and privacy. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Conclusions

This study aims to provide a new tool for assessing frailty and functional reserve in surgical patients as a means of improving prehabilitation programs and postoperative outcomes.