Identification of subgroups of patients with oesophageal cancer based on exercise intensity during prehabilitation.

To identify subgroups of patients with oesophageal cancer based on exercise intensity during prehabilitation, and to investigate whether training outcomes varied between subgroups. Data from a multicentre cohort study were used, involving participants following prehabilitation before oesophagectomy. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed using four cluster variables (intensity of aerobic exercise, the Borg score during resistance exercise, intensity of physical activity, and degree of fatigue). Aerobic capacity and muscle strength were estimated before and after prehabilitation. In 64 participants, three clusters were identified based on exercise intensity. Cluster 1 ( This cluster analysis identified three subgroups with distinct patterns in exercise intensity during prehabilitation. Participants who were physically fit were able to train at high intensity. Fatigued participants trained at lower intensity but showed the greatest improvement. A small group of participants, despite being physically active, had a low training capacity and could be considered frail. Implications for rehabilitationPatients with oesophageal cancer show different patterns of exercise intensity during prehabilitation, resulting in three distinct subgroups.Patients with a good level of physical fitness are able to train at high intensity and may require less intensive supervision during the programme.Fatigued patients are able to perform the training programme, having more room for improvement.A small group of frail patients seem to be at risk for overtraining and may require an adjusted training intensity.