Having a major operation can be very stressful to the mind and body and may lead to a decrease in physical strength and endurance and difficulty with memory and thinking. These changes in physical fitness and thinking may last for weeks to months after surgery and are more common in patients who are older, require bigger surgeries, and have longer hospital stays. The goal of our research team is to prevent these changes and help patients recover more quickly after a major operation.  

To help achieve these goals, we designed the COgnitive and Physical Exercise to improve Outcomes after Surgery (COPE-iOS) study. We are testing a new and exciting comprehensive program to support both the mind and the body before and after surgery. We provide patients with brain games and physical therapy sessions to complete at home for 3-4 weeks before and 12 weeks after a major operation. We are testing how quickly patients regain their mental and physical function after surgery and how this program affects other basic elements of recovery like how long patients stay in the hospital after surgery. Our goal is to find ways to help patients recovery more quickly after surgery and return to living their best lives. Please see our short video for more information.

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