Work by the PI Englesbe suggests that trunk muscle lean mass is strongly associated with poor surgical outcomes, suggesting an independent link between muscle loss (sarcopenia) and surgical outcome, even when controlling for comorbidity and functional impairment. Furthermore, their work notes that trunk muscle mass declines rapidly in the peri-operative period. Whether exercise interventions can remediate this risk is unknown. Few randomized control trials exist that address whether pre-operative exercise interventions can alter eventual post-operative outcomes, and none focus on training the trunk musculature in abdominal surgery patients. Further, trunk musculature is critical for mobilization and several published trials (such as in an intensive care unit) suggest that early mobilization is associated with improved outcomes. Thus, the link between reduction in muscle loss via exercise and improved mobility in post-surgical patients remains to be proven but seems promising. Co-PI Alexander has extensive experience in studies of mobility task assessment and enhancement in able and disabled adults. Of particular relevance to the present proposal are studies of rising from a bed (supine to sit) and from a chair (sit to stand) and the improvement that can be noted, using a task-specific approach in older adults at risk for mobility impairment. His most recent funded investigations focus on home-based mobility and physical activity enhancement.