Protocol for PADEL Study - The Impact of preoperative Physical Activity on postoperative DELrium: An Observational Trial

• Grant number: 25/04171-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: November 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Hugo Celso Dutra de Souza
• Grantee: Maria Eduarda Dilarri
• Supervisor: Todd Duhamel
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Manitoba, Canada
• Associated to the scholarship: 23/13514-4 - STUDY OF CHRONIC CHOLINERGIC STIMULATION ASSOCIATED WITH AEROBIC PHYSICAL TRAINING ON CARDIAC FUNCTIONALITY AND CONTRACTILITY IN HYPERTENSIVE RATS, BP.IC

Abstract

As cardiac surgery patients continue to age and present with more complex health conditions, the occurrence of a challenging post-operative complication known as "post-operative delirium" is becoming increasingly common. Post-operative delirium is a complex neuropsychological disorder characterized by symptoms such as inattention, drowsiness, and agitation which has many long-term negative health impacts such as post-traumatic stress disorder and mortality. Despite thorough investigation, the exact mechanisms triggering post-operative delirium onset and progression remain unclear. Consequently, preventive efforts have predominantly concentrated on identifying and addressing modifiable risk factors, alongside optimizing perioperative care protocols. One such way may be through optimizing physical activity prior to cardiac surgery. This observational cross-sectional study aims at elucidating the relationship between preoperative physical activity and post-operative delirium in cardiac surgery patients, with a targeted recruitment size of 255 participants. Physical activity will be measured using an accelerometer as well as the International Physical Activity Questionnaire; while, delirium will be assessed through the 4 A's (Alertness, Abbreviated Mental Test - 4, Attention, Acute change or fluctuating course) test. The PADEL study is poised to advance knowledge in the realms of physical activity and post-operative delirium research, laying the groundwork for future investigations aimed at establishing causal links between the two phenomena.