Frailty and Muscle Strength Tests in Older Adults Undergoing Major Surgery

This observational study is looking at whether simple tests for frailty (weakness or being delicate) and muscle strength can help predict problems after major abdominal surgery in adults aged 65 and older. Researchers want to see if these tests, done during a regular pre-surgery visit, can easily identify who might be at higher risk for complications. You would undergo brief tests measuring muscle strength, breathing strength, physical function, nutrition, body composition, and memory during your pre-surgical appointment. The study will then review your medical records 30 and 90 days after surgery to check for any health problems. The goal is to improve how doctors understand and prepare for potential risks in older patients having surgery.

Study design: This is an observational study planning to enroll 100 participants. It is not a randomized trial and does not involve a specific phase of drug development.
What's involved: You would complete brief tests during a routine pre-surgical clinic appointment. Researchers will then review your medical records 30 and 90 days after surgery.
Compensation: Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up: Participants' medical records will be reviewed 30 and 90 days after surgery.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

Frailty and Muscle Strength Tests in Older Adults Undergoing Major Surgery

Completed

Not specifiedAges 65+Observational

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

~100 participants

Updated 2026-08-17 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What's tested:Frailty assessment, nutrition assessment, cognition assessment, muscle strength testing

At a glance

Recruiting sites

0 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now

RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open

What they're measuring

Feasibility of Frailty Assessment Integration

Measured over At the time of the preoperative assessment

+1 more outcome measured

Conditions

Frailty

Sarcopenia

Sarcopenia in Elderly

Muscle Strength

Post Operative Complications

Nutrition Assessment

Risk Assessment

Elderly (People Aged 65 or More)

Hand Strength

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states

North Carolina1

Study leadership

Monika Nanda, MBBS, MPH, FASA · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Who to contact

This trial hasn't published a contact. View it on ClinicalTrials.gov

Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

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.

Exclusion

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.

What this trial measures

Feasibility of Frailty Assessment IntegrationAt the time of the preoperative assessment
Percentage of participants successfully completing the entire frailty assessment battery within a 20-minute target during routine preoperative visits.
Predictive Capability of Frailty Measures for Postoperative Complications30 and 90 days postoperatively
Association between preoperative frailty measures (Clinical Frailty Scale, muscle strength tests, respiratory pressure tests, physical function, cognitive screening, nutritional status, and ultrasound-based muscle thickness) and occurrence of postoperative complications at 30 and 90 days.

Trialytics