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VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam//NONSGML v1.0//EN
NAME:PhD defence M.E. de Leeuwerk
METHOD:PUBLISH
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART:20260205T134500
DTEND:20260205T151500
DTSTAMP:20260205T134500
UID:phd-defence-m-e-de-leeuwerk@8F96275E-9F55-4B3F-A143-836282E12573
CREATED:20260924T143320
LOCATION:VU Main Building, 1105, De Boelelaan, 1081 HV, Amsterdam
SUMMARY:PhD defence M.E. de Leeuwerk
X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html: Optimizing physical
recovery after oncological surgery
Digital suppor
t accelerates recovery after cancer surgery
Patients
recover faster and more effectively from major cancer surgery when th
ey receive digital support for nutrition and physical activity at hom
e. This is shown by research conducted by physiotherapist Marijke de
Leeuwerk into the OPRAH intervention (Optimal Physical Recovery After
Hospitalization), a program that provides remote support to patients
using an app, an activity sensor, and coaching by a physiotherapist
and dietitian.
Major cancer surgery often has profound effects
on the body. Many patients lose muscle mass and strength, experience
severe fatigue, and struggle with daily activities. Previous research
shows that a substantial proportion of patients have not fully recov
ered even three to six months after surgery. Although patients receiv
e guidance on nutrition and physical activity in the hospital, this s
upport largely disappears after discharge.
De Leeuwerk’s rese
arch focused on closing this gap in care. The OPRAH intervention that
was developed provided patients with additional support at home. Thr
ough an app and an activity sensor, patients gained insight into thei
r daily physical activity, while healthcare professionals provided re
mote coaching and advice on exercise and protein intake.
The re
sults show that this approach is effective. Patients who participated
in the intervention were more physically active, more often met thei
r protein requirements, and reported less fatigue than patients witho
ut digital support. Their physical functioning also recovered better.
According to De Leeuwerk, sufficient physical activity and protein i
ntake are essential for maintaining and rebuilding muscle after surge
ry.
Digital support makes it possible for patients to work safe
ly and independently on their recovery at home, while still receiving
personalized, tailored support from healthcare professionals. This r
educes the need for additional hospital visits and aligns with the gr
owing pressure on healthcare systems and ongoing staff shortages.
The study therefore highlights the potential of digital healthcare
solutions to improve postoperative recovery while keeping healthcare
accessible, efficient, and affordable.
More information on the
thesis
DESCRIPTION: Optimizing physical recovery after oncological surgery Digital support accelerates recovery after cancer surgeryPatients recover faster and more effectively from major c
ancer surgery when they receive digital support for nutrition and phy
sical activity at home. This is shown by research conducted by physio
therapist Marijke de Leeuwerk into the OPRAH intervention (Optimal Ph
ysical Recovery After Hospitalization), a program that provides remot
e support to patients using an app, an activity sensor, and coaching
by a physiotherapist and dietitian.Major cancer surgery often has pro
found effects on the body. Many patients lose muscle mass and strengt
h, experience severe fatigue, and struggle with daily activities. Pre
vious research shows that a substantial proportion of patients have n
ot fully recovered even three to six months after surgery. Although p
atients receive guidance on nutrition and physical activity in the ho
spital, this support largely disappears after discharge.De Leeuwerk�
�s research focused on closing this gap in care. The OPRAH interventi
on that was developed provided patients with additional support at ho
me. Through an app and an activity sensor, patients gained insight in
to their daily physical activity, while healthcare professionals prov
ided remote coaching and advice on exercise and protein intake.The re
sults show that this approach is effective. Patients who participated
in the intervention were more physically active, more often met thei
r protein requirements, and reported less fatigue than patients witho
ut digital support. Their physical functioning also recovered better.
According to De Leeuwerk, sufficient physical activity and protein i
ntake are essential for maintaining and rebuilding muscle after surge
ry.Digital support makes it possible for patients to work safely and
independently on their recovery at home, while still receiving person
alized, tailored support from healthcare professionals. This reduces
the need for additional hospital visits and aligns with the growing p
ressure on healthcare systems and ongoing staff shortages.The study t
herefore highlights the potential of digital healthcare solutions to
improve postoperative recovery while keeping healthcare accessible, e
fficient, and affordable.More information on the thesis
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