Major surgery is associated with a decrease in muscle strength, muscle mass and functional performance. However, early intervention with intensive physical training seems to counteract the loss in muscle mass and muscle function as well as to shorten the postoperative length of stay in hospital. In addition, a sufficient intake of protein seems to be a central element in the treatment of postoperative patients to reduce the protein degradation normally seen with immobilisation and surgery. Knowledge regarding the potential effect of preoperative physical activity is sparse.