Exercise in Patients Undergoing Urologic Surgery

BEHAVIORAL

Exercise Group

For the first two days after their pre-operative visit, participants will be asked to continue their present level of exercise and activity, which will be monitored by pedometer. Participants will begin the activity intervention on study Day 3. Participants will be instructed to take 10,000 steps per day, recording their daily steps with a pedometer. Participants also will be provided with resistance bands and instructed on how to safely perform 10 whole-body strength training exercises. They will be instructed to perform the exercises once per day, three days a week. Participants will complete the exercise intervention until they have surgery, which is typically 12 to 48 days after the pre-operative visit.

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Nutrition Group

Participants in the nutrition group will be provided with a liquid over-the-counter nutrition supplement (i.e. Boost or Ensure) to consume. Participants will be instructed to consume 1 bottle, 2 times per day, beginning 5 days before surgery and continuing 5 days post-operatively.

Change in Body Mass Index (BMI)

Time frame: Baseline, Day of surgery (up to 50 days after Baseline), Follow-up (30 days after surgery)

Body Mass Index is a weight-to-height ratio, calculated by dividing one's weight in kilograms by the square of one's height in meters (kg/m\^2) and used as an indicator of underweight, normal, overweight and obese weights.

Change in Standing Task Time

Time frame: Baseline, Day of surgery (up to 50 days after Baseline), Follow-up (30 days after surgery)

Participants will be timed, in seconds, to see how quickly they can stand up and sit down in a chair 5 times.

Change in 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT) Distance

Time frame: Baseline, Day of surgery (up to 50 days after Baseline), Follow-up (30 days after surgery)

The 6 minute walk test (6MWT) assesses distance, in meters, walked over 6 minutes as a sub-maximal test of aerobic capacity and endurance.

Change in grip strength

Time frame: Baseline, Day of surgery (up to 50 days after Baseline), Follow-up (30 days after surgery)

Hand grip is measured in pounds using a dynamometer to test the maximum isometric strength of the hand and forearm muscles. Grip strength is a measurement of muscle strength and tends to decline with frail states.

Change in Timed Up and Go (TUG) Task

Time frame: Baseline, Day of surgery (up to 50 days after Baseline), Follow-up (30 days after surgery)

Participants will be timed, in seconds, to see how quickly they can rise from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn around, walk back, and sit down.

Change in Short-Length Food Frequency Questionnaire

Time frame: Baseline, Day of surgery (up to 50 days after Baseline), Follow-up (30 days after surgery)

Nutritional risk will be assessed with the Short-Length Food Frequency Questionnaire. This 18-item instrument asks participants how frequently they consume certain foods, such as alcohol, produce, grains, and fried foods. There is not a summary score for this questionnaire, rather, the researchers can examine changes over time in foods consumed in a variety of ways.

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.

Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.

Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.

Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?

When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.

Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

How long does a clinical trial last?

Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.