Individualized Prehabilitation for Enhancing Recovery and Surgical Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy and Surgery for Soft Tissue Sarcoma

PROCEDURE

Computed Tomography

Undergo CT

OTHER

Educational Intervention

Receive educational materials

PROCEDURE

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Undergo MRI

PROCEDURE

Physical Therapy

Receive prehabilitation physical therapy

OTHER

Questionnaire Administration

Ancillary studies

OTHER

Telemedicine

Attend telemedicine visits

Feasibility as measured by recruitment, retention, adherence, and acceptability

Time frame: Up to 22 weeks

Univariate descriptive statistics and frequency distributions will be calculated, as appropriate for all variables. Baseline values for demographic, clinical, and outcome variables will be tabulated for the treatment groups.

Efficacy potential

Time frame: Up to 22 weeks

Univariate descriptive statistics and frequency distributions will be calculated, as appropriate for all variables. Baseline values for demographic, clinical, and outcome variables will be tabulated for the treatment groups. Between-group effect sizes will be estimated for continuous outcomes.

Toronto Extremity Salvage Score

Time frame: At 2, 6, and 12 weeks

This is a self-report measure comprising 30 items (23 for activities of daily living; 7 items for role participation). Will use this measure, completed using observed performance for feasible items and self-report for the remaining items (getting in and out of a car, shopping; driving). Univariate descriptive statistics and frequency distributions will be calculated, as appropriate for all variables. Baseline values for demographic, clinical, and outcome variables will be tabulated for the treatment groups. Between-group effect sizes will be estimated from a mixed model which considers the individual as a cluster with multiple measures per person.

Functional walking capacity

Time frame: At 2, 6, and 12 weeks

Functional walking capacity is defined as walking capacity needed for everyday activities of daily living such as shopping, traveling to and from work, and walking in the workplace or public buildings. The six minute walk test (6MWT) is the gold standard measure for this. The units are distance in meters covered during the test. There is a standardized mobile application for measuring and data comes minute by minute to assess fatigability. Univariate descriptive statistics and frequency distributions will be calculated, as appropriate for all variables.

Gait quality

Time frame: Up to 22 weeks

Gait quality will be measured during the 6MWT using a wearable developed by the team, Heel2Toe sensor. The parameters of gait quality will include proportion of steps with as strong a heel strike pre-operatively, as well as distribution of cadence and of angular velocity. Irregular stepping pattern is indicated by lack of heel strike, large variability in cadence, stride length, and angular velocity as indicated by coefficient of variation. Univariate descriptive statistics and frequency distributions will be calculated, as appropriate for all variables.

Daily step count

Time frame: Up to 22 weeks

Daily step count for the duration of the study will be obtained using the native accelerometer/gyroscope and pedometers available on both iPhone and android devices. Will summarize this complex data using benchmarks of 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 (000 steps) based on meaningful physical activity targets. Will measure the time to achieve these targets post-surgery. These will be captured for the 9 week prehabilitation period and the post-surgery recovery period. As indicated, will focus on steps taken outside of the house as "in house" steps tend to be of very low cadence. For step counts, time to reach the benchmarks of 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 (000 steps) will be calculated and presented descriptively. Univariate descriptive statistics and frequency distributions will be calculated, as appropriate for all variables.

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.