Table 1 Summary of some key features of the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance Prehab4Cancer and Recovery Programme

Assessment

• Patients assessed at 4 time points (baseline, pre-operatively, post-operatively and end of rehabilitation).

• Under COVID restrictions (from March 2020), assessments were conducted by phone and/or video call.

• Patients were allocated to ‘universal’ (for more fit individuals) or ‘targeted’ (for less fit individuals) arm of the programme.

Exercise provision

• Tailored exercise programme provided cardiovascular and resistance components; all participants received free gym membership.

• Individuals on ‘universal’ programme were encouraged to attend gym at least 3 times/week; monitored by Exercise Specialists and supported where needed.

• Individuals on ‘targeted’ programme were encouraged to attend 3 supervised sessions/week. Supervision was provided by Prehab4Cancer programme Exercise Specialists or gym instructors who supervised Prehab4Cancer participants alongside other individuals with long-term health conditions (attending via GP referral schemes).

• Exercise duration: 45–60 min depending on level of fitness.

• Under COVID restrictions, timetables for home exercise were provided; aim: minimum 3 sessions/week, with support provided via telephone/video calls. Online classes were arranged providing a supervised aspect; follow-along youtube videos were also provided.

Group composition

• Group or individual gym sessions; group online classes; individual monitoring and support.

• Group sessions included a mixture of individuals in pre- and post-operative phases.