Frailty and Muscle Strength Tests in Older Adults Undergoing Major Surgery

Recruiting now

Conditions studied: Frailty, Sarcopenia, Sarcopenia in Elderly, Muscle Strength, Post Operative Complications, Nutrition Assessment, Risk Assessment, Elderly (People Aged 65 or More), Hand Strength

In brief

The goal of this observational study is to learn if simple tests for frailty and muscle strength can help predict which older adults (age 65 and older) are at higher risk for problems after major abdominal surgery. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Do measures of frailty and muscle strength, taken before surgery, predict complications after surgery? * Can these tests be easily done during a routine pre-surgical visit? Participants will: * Complete brief tests measuring muscle strength, breathing strength, physical function, nutrition status, body composition, and memory during a regular pre-surgical clinic appointment. * Allow researchers to review their medical records 30 and 90 days after surgery to identify any complications or health problems.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT06988176

Run by

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

People needed

100

Starts

2025-06-19

Expected to finish

2026-08-01

Last updated by the study team

2026-01-28

Who can join

Age: 65 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Participants may be eligible for this study if they meet the following conditions:
• Age 65 years or older.
• Scheduled for elective (planned, non-emergency) major abdominal surgery, including colorectal, hepatobiliary, gynecologic, or urologic procedures.
• Able to attend a routine preoperative evaluation visit.
• Able and willing to complete brief assessments for muscle strength, walking, breathing strength, memory, and nutrition.

You may not qualify if…

• Participants will not be eligible for the study if they have any of the following conditions:
• Surgery is an emergency procedure.
• Unable to walk independently (for example, dependent on a wheelchair or bed-bound).
• Significant cognitive impairment that prevents understanding or completing study tests.

Where it is running

• University of North Carolina — Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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