Rectus Femoris Ultrasound to Evaluate Muscle During Prehabilitation for Patients With Cancer
2
Issued Date
2025-09-01
Resource Type
ISSN
00224804
eISSN
10958673
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105010524340
Journal Title
Journal of Surgical Research
Volume
313
Start Page
187
End Page
197
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Journal of Surgical Research Vol.313 (2025) , 187-197
Suggested Citation
Vongchaiudomchoke W., Morais J.A., Kim D.J., Cho A.R., Tsang J., Carli F. Rectus Femoris Ultrasound to Evaluate Muscle During Prehabilitation for Patients With Cancer. Journal of Surgical Research Vol.313 (2025) , 187-197. 197. doi:10.1016/j.jss.2025.06.036 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/111285
Title
Rectus Femoris Ultrasound to Evaluate Muscle During Prehabilitation for Patients With Cancer
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Introduction: Skeletal muscle wasting is prevalent in patients awaiting cancer surgery. In preparation for surgery, prehabilitation has been shown to enhance functional capacity; however, its impact on muscle remains inconsistent. This exploratory study evaluated muscle changes using ultrasound of rectus femoris before and after prehabilitation in patients with cancer scheduled for surgery. Methods: Adults referred to a prehabilitation clinic before elective cancer surgery, with a preoperative window of ≥4 wk, were prospectively enrolled in this pre-post interventional study. Participants completed a 4-6 wk prehabilitation program consisting of exercise, nutritional, and psychosocial interventions. Ultrasound assessments of the rectus femoris thickness and echo intensity of the dominant thigh were conducted at baseline and post intervention, alongside physical function assessments. Results: Forty-seven participants (53% female) with a mean age of 69 y were included in the analysis. The most common cancer types were lung (34%) and esophagogastric (28%). Nineteen participants (40%) were receiving neoadjuvant therapy. No significant changes were observed in muscle thickness (0.3 mm; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.3 to 0.9; P = 0.311) or echo intensity (0.5 arbitrary units; 95% CI, −3.7 to 4.7; P = 0.807) following prehabilitation. However, the 6 minute walk distance increased by 19 m (95% CI, 2 to 37; P = 0.031), reflecting a clinically meaningful improvement in functional capacity. Participants who demonstrated maintenance or improvement in muscle thickness and echo intensity exhibited significant improvements in leg strength and walking capacity. Conclusions: Ultrasound assessment of rectus femoris is feasible and reliable for monitoring muscle changes during prehabilitation. Prehabilitation may help preserve muscle in patients with cancer during the preoperative period.