Pre-Habilitation Exercise Intervention

The proposed randomized controlled trial aims to recruit 60 patients that have a primary
diagnosis of either colon or rectal cancer, inflammatory bowl disease, or diverticular
disease and are scheduled for elective surgery. This two-arm clinical trial of an
intervention examining the efficacy of a home-based walking and progressive resistance
exercise program for the relief of post-operative fatigue and improvement of functional
outcome following surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Have a primary diagnosis of one of the following: colon or rectal cancer, inflammatory
bowel disease, or diverticular disease

- Be scheduled for elective (non- emergent) surgery

- Have the approval of their treating physician, study physician, or physician's
designee to participate in maximal physiological fitness testing and a low to moderate
home-based walking and progressive resistance exercise program.

- Be able to read English (since the assessment materials will be in a printed format).

- Be 18 years of age or older

- Give informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

- Have physical limitations (e.g. cardiorespiratory, orthopedic, central nervous system)
that contraindicate participation in maximal physiological fitness testing, or a low
to moderate home-based walking and progressive resistance program, as assessed by the
Par-Q+ and clinician (or physician's designee)

- Must not be in active or maintenance stage of exercise