Use of Activity Tracking in Major Visceral Surgery-the Enhanced Perioperative Mobilization Trial: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Early mobilization is one essential item within the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) concept, but lacks solid evidence and a standardized assessment. The aim was to monitor and increase the postoperative mobilization of patients after major visceral surgery by providing a continuous step count feedback using activity tracking wristbands. The study was designed as a randomized controlled single-center trial (NCT02834338) with two arms (open and laparoscopic surgery). Participants were randomized to either receive feedback of their step counts using an activity tracker wristband or not. The primary study endpoint was the mean step count during the first 5 postoperative days (PODs). A total of 132 patients were randomized. After laparoscopic operations, the average step count during PODs 1–5 was significantly increased by the feedback compared with the control group (P