Walking before surgery may speed recovery for head and neck cancer patients

NCT ID NCT06079697

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: OHSU Knight Cancer Institute Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether a pre-surgery exercise program (walking, sit-to-stand, and other exercises) could help people recover mobility and avoid complications after head and neck cancer surgery. 52 adults scheduled for major surgery wore Fitbits and either did the exercises or received standard care. The goal was to see if the exercise group had better post-surgery step counts and fewer complications.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: exercise prehabilitation program (walking, sit-to-stand, and standing exercises)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a simple, low-cost way to help people recover faster and with fewer complications after head and neck cancer surgery.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed trial with only 52 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The exercise program may not significantly improve recovery for all patients.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

head and neck carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

HEAD AND NECK CARCINOMA

Contacts and locations

Locations

OHSU Knight Cancer Institute

Portland, Oregon, 97239, United States

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