Understanding Prehabilitation and Its Value in Cancer Care
Prehabilitation is a structured set of interventions—exercise, nutrition, and psychological support—delivered before a patient undergoes cancer treatment such as surgery or chemotherapy. By building physical and mental resilience beforehand, patients often experience fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery after treatment.
Research from Lancaster University and the East Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust shows that a 1‑to‑4‑week prehabilitation programme can reduce hospital stays by almost two days compared with standard care. In the UK, this translates to significant savings for the NHS and, more importantly, improved quality of life for patients.
To help patients prepare, Lancaster University’s medical school partnered with celebrity health coach Mr Motivator to create engaging, home‑based exercise videos. These videos combine clear instructions with upbeat music and humor—an approach proven to increase adherence and enjoyment.
Why Prehabilitation Matters Before Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy places a heavy burden on the body and brain, often causing fatigue, reduced strength, and a phenomenon known as “chemobrain.” Prehabilitation aims to counteract these effects by:
- Boosting cardiovascular fitness and musculoskeletal strength, making physical side‑effects easier to manage.
- Enhancing nutritional status, which supports immune function and tissue repair.
- Providing mental‑health strategies that reduce anxiety and improve concentration, thereby mitigating chemobrain.
Patients who participate in structured prehabilitation report better tolerance of treatment, fewer dose reductions, and overall higher satisfaction with their care journey.
How Mr Motivator’s Videos Fit into the Program
Dr Chris Gaffney, Senior Lecturer in Integrative Physiology, invites patients to work through a series of short exercise routines at home. The videos cover:
- Warm‑up stretches that are safe for beginners.
- Cardio moves such as marching in place or gentle jogging.
- Strength exercises using body weight or light resistance bands.
- Cool‑down techniques, including breathing exercises designed to calm the nervous system.
Each session lasts between 10–20 minutes, allowing patients to fit the routine into their daily schedules. The accompanying playful commentary encourages consistency and reduces the feeling of being “just another patient.”
How to Access the Prehabilitation Content
Patients invited to the randomized controlled trial can download the videos from an online portal. Those outside the trial can:
- Visit the Lancaster University prehabilitation webpage for free resources.
- Contact your local NHS team to see if the programme is available in your area.
- Consult a physiotherapist for personalized exercise guidance if you have specific limitations.
All content is tailored to comply with UK health and safety regulations, ensuring that patients can perform exercises safely at home.
Practical Steps to Start Prehabilitation Today
- Speak with your oncologist or nurse about prehabilitation options before your upcoming treatment.
- Schedule a brief assessment with a physiotherapist to rule out any contraindications.
- Set up a simple routine: 10‑minute warm‑up, 10‑minute main exercise, 5‑minute cool‑down.
- Use the Mr Motivator video series to guide you—sit or stand, keep intensity moderate, and enjoy the music.
- Track your mood and energy levels with a simple journal; share these notes during follow‑up appointments.
Consistency is key. Even short daily sessions can build resilience that pay dividends during chemotherapy.
Support Networks and Resources in the UK
In addition to the online video library, many UK charities and NHS trusts offer free or low‑cost prehabilitation support:
- Cancer Support – offers exercise guidance and mental‑health resources.
- St. John’s Nursing Foundation – provides community‑based physiotherapy services.
- Local NHS trusts often run “Fit To Fight” groups during the waiting period before treatment.
Engaging with these groups not only provides practical help but also gives you a community of peers who understand the journey.
Monitoring Progress and Adjusting the Plan
Use simple, tangible metrics to gauge improvement:
- Track the number of push‑ups or sit‑ups you can perform progressively.
- Note changes in daily stamina – can you walk up a flight of stairs without feeling dizzy?
- Record mood improvements; a steady rise in cheerful days can indicate better coping.
- Share your progress with your medical team; they can adjust medication doses or supportive care accordingly.
Key Takeaways for Patients and Caregivers
• Prehabilitation strengthens your body before the stresses of chemotherapy.
• Mr Motivator’s videos make exercise enjoyable and easy to follow at home.
• UK resources are available to support you, from online libraries to local NHS physiotherapy services.
• Consistent practice and monitoring can reduce complications and improve overall treatment experience.
Get the Support You Need Today
Ready to boost your readiness for cancer treatment? Contact the prehabilitation team at Lancaster University to learn how you can join the program or access the video library. If you’re looking for a community of peers, visit Cancer Support or call your local NHS trust for immediate assistance.
For questions about specific exercise plans or nutrition advice, schedule a free consultation with a qualified physiotherapist through the UK NHS.
If you’d like to share your experience or learn more about cutting‑edge research, read additional case studies on our news page. Your voice helps shape the future of cancer care.
By taking action now, you create a stronger foundation for your treatment journey and set the stage for a smoother recovery.
We encourage you to submit your application today to join a growing community of patients who are shaping the future of prehabilitation in the UK.
