Reasons for non-participation in cancer rehabilitation: a scoping literature review.

BACKGROUND: Rehabilitation plays an important role in addressing the many challenges of living with cancer, but a large proportion of people with cancer do not participate in available cancer rehabilitation. Hence, reasons for non-participation in cancer rehabilitation need to be explored. OBJECTIVE: The present study undertakes a scoping review of research examining reasons for non-participation in cancer rehabilitation among people with cancer. DESIGN: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus and CINAHL for articles published until July 2023. Included studies were hand searched for relevant references and citations. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Method: Studies with qualitative, quantitative or mixed-method design. POPULATION: Studies targeting adults (> 18) living with cancer, not participating in rehabilitation. Program type: The review included all studies defining program as rehabilitation but excluded clinical trials. OUTCOME: Studies examining reasons for non-participation in available rehabilitation. DATA EXTRACTION: The extracted data included author(s)/year of publication, aim, population, information, rehabilitation type and main reasons for non-participation. RESULTS: A total of nine studies were included (n = 3 quantitative, n = 2 qualitative, n = 4 mixed methods). Reasons for non-participation included physical, psychosocial and practical aspects. The main reason across studies was 'no need for public support' related to receiving sufficient support from family and friends. All studies focused on individual reasons, and structural conditions were rarely present. CONCLUSION: Research within this field is sparse. Future research should explore how individual reasons for non-participation relate to structural conditions, especially among people in socially disadvantaged positions living with cancer.

Sarcopenia and loss of muscle mass in patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: In patients with cancer, sarcopenia is associated with treatment related complications, treatment cessation, poor quality of life and reduced overall survival. Despite this, there is limited knowledge about changes in skeletal muscle mass during chemotherapy. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the change of skeletal muscle mass and sarcopenia during chemotherapy treatment among patients with lung cancer. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in three databases, PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science. Observational studies with patients with lung cancer were eligible for inclusion if skeletal muscle mass was measured before and after receiving chemotherapy treatment. RESULTS: Ten cohort studies with a total of 867 participants met the inclusion criteria. During 5.2 ± 2.9 months of chemotherapy treatment, patients with lung cancer experienced a significant loss of skeletal muscle mass with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of: -0.25 (95% CI -0.47 to -0.03). The pretreatment prevalence of sarcopenia varied across studies from 35% to 74%. Only one study reported prevalence of sarcopenia both before and after chemotherapy treatment with an increase from 35% to 59%. CONCLUSION: The present data demonstrate a marked loss of skeletal muscle mass in patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy treatment, as well as a high prevalence of sarcopenia. As sarcopenia is associated with poor clinical outcomes, it seems important to include and use assessments of skeletal muscle mass in clinical practice to identify patients in need for interventions. Moreover, interventional studies to hinder development of sarcopenia are needed.

Exercise Recommendation for People With Bone Metastases: Expert Consensus for Health Care Providers and Exercise Professionals.

PURPOSE: Exercise has been underutilized in people with advanced or incurable cancer despite the potential to improve physical function and reduce psychosocial morbidity, especially for people with bone metastases because of concerns over skeletal complications. The International Bone Metastases Exercise Working Group (IBMEWG) was formed to develop best practice recommendations for exercise programming for people with bone metastases on the basis of published research, clinical experience, and expert opinion. METHODS: The IBMEWG undertook sequential steps to inform the recommendations: (1) modified Delphi survey, (2) systematic review, (3) cross-sectional survey to physicians and nurse practitioners, (4) in-person meeting of IBMEWG to review evidence from steps 1-3 to develop draft recommendations, and (5) stakeholder engagement. RESULTS: Recommendations emerged from the contributing evidence and IBMEWG discussion for pre-exercise screening, exercise testing, exercise prescription, and monitoring of exercise response. Identification of individuals who are potentially at higher risk of exercise-related skeletal complication is a complex interplay of these factors: (1) lesion-related, (2) cancer and cancer treatment-related, and (3) the person-related. Exercise assessment and prescription requires consideration of the location and presentation of bone lesion(s) and should be delivered by qualified exercise professionals with oncology education and exercise prescription experience. Emphasis on postural alignment, controlled movement, and proper technique is essential. CONCLUSION: Ultimately, the perceived risk of skeletal complications should be weighed against potential health benefits on the basis of consultation between the person, health care team, and exercise professionals. These recommendations provide an initial framework to improve the integration of exercise programming into clinical care for people with bone metastases.

Exercise for individuals with bone metastases: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Exercise has the potential to improve physical function and quality of life in individuals with bone metastases but is often avoided due to safety concerns. This systematic review summarizes the safety, feasibility and efficacy of exercise in controlled trials that include individuals with bone metastases. METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase, Pubmed, CINAHL, PEDro and CENTRAL databases were searched to July 16, 2020. RESULTS: A total of 17 trials were included incorporating aerobic exercise, resistance exercise or soccer interventions. Few (n = 4, 0.5%) serious adverse events were attributed to exercise participation, with none related to bone metastases. Mixed efficacy results were found, with exercise eliciting positive changes or no change. The majority of trials included an element of supervised exercise instruction (n = 16, 94%) and were delivered by qualified exercise professionals (n = 13, 76%). CONCLUSIONS: Exercise appears safe and feasible for individuals with bone metastases when it includes an element of supervised exercise instruction.

Early initiated postoperative rehabilitation enhances quality of life in patients with operable lung cancer: Secondary outcomes from a randomized trial.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with lung cancer report a lower degree of Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) compared with other cancer patients. HRQoL reflects how patients experience the impact of their disease and its treatment on their quality of daily living. A widely used questionnaire in lung cancer patients is the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Lung (FACT-L) questionnaire. Here we report the secondary outcomes on FACT-L data from the Postoperative Rehabilitation in Operation for Lung CAncer (PROLUCA) study, which describes the effect of early (14 days) versus late initiated (14 weeks) postoperative rehabilitation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The PROLUCA study was designed as a two-armed randomized controlled trial with an early rehabilitation group (14 days after surgery (ERG)) or a control arm with a late rehabilitation group (14 weeks after surgery (LRG)). The results for seven domain scores obtained using the FACT-L at the following time-points: baseline, 14 weeks, 26 weeks and 52 weeks after surgery are presented here. RESULTS: 119 patients were randomized to the ERG and 116 to the LRG. In the ERG, HRQoL measured by both FACT-L and FACT-G (general core instrument) showed a continuous improvement up to 26 weeks after which HRQoL decreased after further 26 weeks without structured intervention. In the LRG a non-significant deterioration was detected over the first 14 weeks after surgery. After participation in the 12 weeks rehabilitation program, an increase in HRQoL was seen, without reaching the same level as the early group. CONCLUSION: Analyses of the seven domain scores obtained using FACT-L and FACT-G reflect the importance of starting exercise early after surgery since the ERG avoid a temporary decrease in HRQoL. It is therefore recommended to start up a structured rehabilitation program 14 days after surgery, containing high intensity interval training and strength exercise twice a week for 12 weeks.

Effects of an exercise intervention for patients with advanced inoperable lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Exercise can improve treatment-related side effects, quality of life, and function in patients with various types of cancer; however, more evidence is needed for patients with advanced inoperable lung cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We randomized 218 patients with advanced inoperable lung cancer to a 12-week supervised, structured exercise training program (aerobic, strength, and relaxation training) twice weekly versus usual care. Primary outcome was change in maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 peak). Secondary outcomes were muscle strength, functional capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, health-related quality of life, anxiety, and depression. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups in VO2 peak. There was a significant improvement in muscle strength. There was also a significant difference between the two for social well-being (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung, FACT-L), anxiety, and depression. CONCLUSION: There was a significant reduction in the level of anxiety and depression and a significant increase in all muscle strength outcomes in the intervention group compared to patients randomized to usual care. There was a significant difference between the groups for social well-being. The primary outcome did not show a significant improvement in VO2 peak. Based on our results, future patients with advanced inoperable lung cancer should be considered for supervised exercise during the course of their disease.

Pre-radiotherapy daily exercise training in non-small cell lung cancer: A feasibility study.

AIM: To examine the feasibility of an individual, supervised, structured moderate-to-high intensity cycle ergometer exercise training immediately before radiotherapy in patients undergoing concomitant chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). BACKGROUND: Lung cancer is the most common form of cancer. Despite significant advancements in therapy and supportive care it is still the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Randomized controlled study design; patients with NSCLC receiving concomitant chemoradiotherapy were recruited and randomly assigned to either the exercise (EXE) or the control (CON) group. Exercise training consisted of 20 min moderate-to-high intensity aerobic interval training 5 times per week (Mon-Fri) prior to radiotherapy. Secondary outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 7 weeks: peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak), functional capacity (6MWD), pulmonary function (FEV1), psychosocial parameters (quality of life (FACT-L), anxiety and depression (HADS)) and cancer-related side effects (reported daily). RESULTS: Fifteen patients were included. All patients completed a baseline test, while 13 patients were eligible for a posttest. The recruiting rate was 44.1% and the overall attendance rate to exercise was 90.0% with an adherence rate to full exercise participation of 88.1%. No adverse events or any unexpected reactions were observed during the exercise sessions. No significant differences were observed within or between groups from baseline to post intervention in any of the secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated 'proof of principle' that daily moderate-to-high intensity cycle ergometer exercise was feasible, safe and well tolerated among newly diagnosed patients with locally advanced NSCLC undergoing concomitant chemoradiotherapy. Larger randomized controlled trials are warranted.

Early initiated postoperative rehabilitation reduces fatigue in patients with operable lung cancer: A randomized trial.

INTRODUCTION: Little is known about the optimal amount and timing of exercise strain in concern of the operation wound and with regard improvement of physical function and quality of life (QOL) after surgery for lung cancer. On this background, we decided to investigate the effect of early vs. late initiated postoperative rehabilitation in patients with operable lung cancer on exercise capacity, functional capacity, muscle strength, and QOL. METHODS: The study was designed as a two-armed randomized controlled trial with randomization to either early initiated postoperative rehabilitation (14 days after surgery (ERG)) or a control arm with late initiated postoperative rehabilitation (14 weeks after surgery (LRG)). The primary endpoint was a change in maximum oxygen consumption (VO2peak) from baseline to post intervention 26 weeks following lung resection. Fatigue was measured with EORTC QLQ C30 LC13. RESULTS: From April 2013 to June 2016, 582 patients with operable NSCLC were screened for eligibility. With 119 patients randomized in the early rehabilitation group (ERG) and 116 randomized to late rehabilitation group (LRG). There was no significant difference from baseline to 26 weeks between ERG and LRG (p = 0.926). There was a significant difference from baseline to 14 weeks between groups (p = 0.0018). There was a significant difference from 14 weeks to 26 weeks between the two groups (p < 0.001). We found no significant differences in QOL but we found a significant difference between ERG and LRG from baseline to 14 weeks in fatigue level in favour of ERG. CONCLUSION: This is the first randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of early vs. late initiated postoperative rehabilitation in patients with lung cancer. There is no difference in the commencement (early vs. late) of a postoperative exercise program for patients with lung cancer on exercise capacity. But to reduce fatigue patients should be recommended to initiate early exercise programs.

Exercise for managing cancer- and treatment-related side effects in older adults.

The incidence of cancer in adults aged 60 years and older is expected to rise, and because cancer is associated with aging, the overall prevalence of cancer will rise as well. With advances in cancer treatment, more older adults will receive treatment but they will also suffer the biopsychosocial consequences of cancer and cancer treatment. In this review, we describe the importance of assessing biopsychosocial needs in this vulnerable population and highlight studies supporting the use of exercise in addressing these needs. We discuss challenges and research gaps in several areas including 1) Identifying the exercise doses and modes for specific outcomes, 2) Understanding risks and safety of exercise, and 3) Implementing exercise programs into clinical practice at the individual, health care team, and organizational levels, including strategies to increase adherence.

The Impact of a Multidimensional Exercise Intervention on Physical and Functional Capacity, Anxiety, and Depression in Patients With Advanced-Stage Lung Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with advanced-stage lung cancer face poor survival and experience co-occurring chronic physical and psychosocial symptoms. Despite several years of research in exercise oncology, few exercise studies have targeted advanced lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The aim of the present study was to investigate the benefits of a 6-week supervised group exercise intervention and to outline the effect on aerobic capacity, strength, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), anxiety, and depression. METHODS: VO2peak was assessed using an incremental exercise test. Muscle strength was measured with one repetition maximum test (1RM). HRQoL, anxiety, and depression were assessed using Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung (FACT-L) scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). RESULTS: One hundred and forthteen patients with advanced stage lung cancer were recruited. Forty-three patients dropped out. No serious adverse events were reported. Exercise adherence in the group training was 68%. Improvements in VO2peak (P < .001) and 6-minute walk distance (P < .001) and muscle strength measurements (P < .05) were seen. There was a reduction in anxiety level (P = .0007) and improvement in the emotional well-being parameter (FACT-L) but no statistically significant changes in HRQoL were observed. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study show that during a 6-week hospital-based supervised, structured, and group-based exercise program, patients with advanced-stage lung cancer (NSCLC IIIb-IV, ED-SCLC) improve their physical capacity (VO2peak, 1RM), functional capacity, anxiety level, and emotional well-being, but not their overall HRQoL. A randomized controlled trial testing the intervention including 216 patients is currently being carried out.

"EXHALE": exercise as a strategy for rehabilitation in advanced stage lung cancer patients: a randomized clinical trial comparing the effects of 12 weeks supervised exercise intervention versus usual care for advanced stage lung cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in North America and Western Europe. Patients with lung cancer in general have reduced physical capacity, functional capacity, poor quality of life and increased levels of anxiety and depression. Intervention studies indicate that physical training can address these issues. However, there is a lack of decisive evidence regarding the effect of physical exercise in patients with advanced lung cancer. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of a twelve weeks, twice weekly program consisting of: supervised, structured training in a group of advanced lung cancer patients (cardiovascular and strength training, relaxation). METHODS/DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial will test the effects of the exercise intervention in 216 patients with advanced lung cancer (non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) stage IIIb-IV and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) extensive disease (ED)). Primary outcome is maximal oxygen uptake (VO2peak). Secondary outcomes are muscle strength (1RM), functional capacity (6MWD), lung capacity (Fev1) and patient reported outcome (including anxiety, depression (HADS) and quality of life (HRQOL)). DISCUSSION: The present randomized controlled study will provide data on the effectiveness of a supervised exercise intervention in patients receiving systemic therapy for advanced lung cancer. It is hoped that the intervention can improve physical capacity and functional level, during rehabilitation of cancer patients with complex symptom burden and help them to maintain independent function for as long as possible. TRIAL REGISTRATION: http://ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01881906.

The effects of a six-week supervised multimodal exercise intervention during chemotherapy on cancer-related fatigue.

PURPOSE: Cancer related fatigue (CRF) is a common problem for cancer patients across diagnoses during chemotherapy and is associated with physical inactivity, lower functional level and lack of energy. Few RCT exercise intervention studies have included cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The objective of this study is to evaluate whether a six-week supervised multimodal exercise intervention, adjunct to chemotherapy and standard care, can reduce the patient's CRF level. METHODS: Data is based on analyses of a prospective randomised controlled trial 'The Body & Cancer Trial'. 213 cancer patients with different diagnoses were randomised into an intervention group or wait-list control group. The primary outcome, Fatigue score (CRF), was evaluated by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Anaemia Questionnaire (FACT-An-) (FACT-G score & FACT-An Anemia subscale). INTERVENTION: Supervised exercise, comprising high-intensity cardiovascular and heavy resistance training, relaxation- and body awareness training and massage, 9 h weekly for 6 weeks. RESULTS: CRF was significantly reduced in the intervention group, corresponding to a Fatigue score reduction of 3.04 (effect size of 0.44, 95% CI 0.17-0.72) (P = .002), the FACT-An score by 5.40 (P = .015), the FACT-An Toi score by 5.22 (P = .009) and the Anaemia-ANS by 3.76 (P = .002). There was no statistically significant effect on the General Quality of Life score (FACT-G) or on any of the individual wellbeing scores; Physical (P = .13), Emotional (P = .87), Social (P = .83) and Functional (P = .26). CONCLUSION: In summary, this six-week supervised multimodal exercise intervention can lead to significant reduction in self-reported CRF in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Prognostic significance of functional capacity and exercise behavior in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the prognostic importance of functional capacity and exercise behavior in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using a prospective design, 118 consecutive participants with histologically confirmed metastatic (inoperable) NSCLC and Eastern Cooperative Oncology group (ECOG) 0-3 completed a six-minute walk test to assess functional capacity and questionnaire that assessed self-reported exercise behavior. Cox proportional models were used to estimate the risk of all-cause mortality according to six-minute walk distance (6MWD) (<358.5m, 358.5-450 m, ≥450 m) and exercise behavior (MET-hrswk(-1)) categories with adjustment for important covariates. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 26.6 months; 77 deaths were reported during this period. Functional capacity was an independent predictor of survival (P(trend)=0.003) and added incremental prognostic value beyond that provided by PS plus other traditional markers of prognosis (P(trend)=0.025). Compared with patients achieving a 6MWD <358.5m, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality was 0.61 (95% CI, 0.34-1.07) for a 6MWD of 358.5-450 m, and 0.48 (95% CI, 0.24-0.93) for a 6MWD >450 m. In unadjusted analysis, there was a borderline significant effect of exercise behavior on survival (p=0.052). Median survival was 12.89 months (95% CI, 9.11-21.05 months) for those reporting <9MET-hrswk(-1) compared with 25.63 months (95% CI, 11.28 to ∞ months) for those reporting ≥9MET-hrswk(-1). CONCLUSIONS: Functional capacity is a strong independent predictor of survival in advanced NSCLC that adds to the prediction of survival beyond traditional risk factors. This parameter may improve risk stratification and prognostication in NSCLC.

Safety and feasibility of a combined exercise intervention for inoperable lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: a pilot study.

AIM: To investigate the safety and feasibility of a six-week supervised structured exercise and relaxation training programme on estimated peak oxygen consumption, muscle strength and health related quality of life (HRHRQOL) in patients with inoperable lung cancer, undergoing chemotherapy. METHODS: A prospective, single-arm intervention study of supervised, hospital based muscle and cardiovascular group training and individual home-based training. Peak oxygen consumption (VO(2peak)) was assessed using an incremental exercise test. Muscle strength was measured with one repetition maximum test (1RM). HRQOL was assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung (FACT-L) scale. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients with non-small cell cancer (NSCLC) stage III-IV and four patients with extensive disease small cell lung cancer (SCLC-ED) were recruited. Six patients (20.7%) dropped out leaving 23 patients for analysis. Exercise adherence in the group training was 73.0% and 8.7% in the home-based training. There were improvements in estimated VO(2peak) and six-minute walk distance (6 MWD) as well as increased muscle strength measurements (p<0.05). There was significant improvement in the "emotional well-being" parameter (FACT-L) while there were no significant changes in HRQOL. CONCLUSION: Exercise training produces significant improvements in physiological indices and emotional HRQOL and is safe and feasible in patients with advanced stage lung cancer, undergoing chemotherapy. No analysis on home-based training was done because of low adherence.

Exercise may reduce depression but not anxiety in self-referred cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Post-hoc analysis of data from the 'Body & Cancer' trial.

Abstract Background. The diagnosis and treatment of cancer may cause clinically significant and persistent psychological morbidity. The objective of this study was to determine the short-term effect of a six week exercise intervention on anxiety and depression in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy (The 'Body & Cancer' trial). Methods. Two hundred and nine self-referred patients (52 males, 157 females, mean age 47 years) were randomised into an intervention group and a waiting-list control group. Anxiety and depression was measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results. At baseline, 23.5% and 11.5% of the population scored >8 on the HADS and were classified as suspicious or definite cases of anxiety and depression, respectively. Adjusted for baseline score, disease and demographic covariates the estimated intervention effect showed improvement at six weeks for depression of -0.7 points (95% confidence interval [CI] -1.27 to -0.14, p = 0.0153). No significant effect was seen on anxiety. Further subanalysis, including only suspicious or definite cases of depression, resulted in an estimated intervention effect of -2.53 points (95% CI, -0.64 to -0.42, p = 0.021). Conclusion. Anti-depressant effects could be caused by exercise in self-referred cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Dedicated trials and follow-up studies are needed to clarify the optimal duration and content of exercise interventions to meet the needs of clinically depressive or anxious patients.

Effect of a multimodal high intensity exercise intervention in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of a multimodal group exercise intervention, as an adjunct to conventional care, on fatigue, physical capacity, general wellbeing, physical activity, and quality of life in patients with cancer who were undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy or treatment for advanced disease. DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Two university hospitals in Copenhagen, Denmark. PARTICIPANTS: 269 patients with cancer; 73 men, 196 women, mean age 47 years (range 20-65) representing 21 diagnoses. Main exclusion criteria were brain or bone metastases. 235 patients completed follow-up. INTERVENTION: Supervised exercise comprising high intensity cardiovascular and resistance training, relaxation and body awareness training, massage, nine hours weekly for six weeks in addition to conventional care, compared with conventional care. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (MOS SF-36), Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire, muscular strength (one repetition maximum), maximum oxygen consumption (Vo(2)max). Statistical methods The general linear model was used for continuous outcome while analysis of associates between categorical outcomes was performed as analysis of marginal homogeneity in contingency tables. RESULTS: Adjusted for baseline score, disease, and demographic covariates, the intervention group showed an estimated improvement at six weeks for the primary outcome, fatigue, of -6.6 points (95% confidence interval -12.3 to -0.9, P=0.02; effect size=0.33, 0.04 to 0.61). Significant effects were seen on vitality (effect size 0.55, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.82), physical functioning (0.37, 0.09 to 0.65), role physical (0.37, 0.10 to 0.64), role emotional (0.32, 0.05 to 0.59), and mental health (0.28, 0.02 to 0.56) scores. Improvement was noted in physical capacity: estimated mean difference between groups for maximum oxygen consumption was 0.16 l/min (95% CI 0.1 to 0.2, P<0.0001) and for muscular strength (leg press) was 29.7 kg (23.4 to 34.9, P<0.0001). No significant effect was seen on global health status/quality of life. CONCLUSION: A supervised multimodal exercise intervention including high and low intensity components was feasible and could safely be used in patients with various cancers who were receiving adjuvant chemotherapy or treatment for advanced disease. The intervention reduced fatigue and improved vitality, aerobic capacity, muscular strength, and physical and functional activity, and emotional wellbeing, but not quality of life. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled trials ISRCTN05322922.

Self-reported physical activity behaviour; exercise motivation and information among Danish adult cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity is considered an important and determining factor for the cancer patient's physical well-being and quality of life. However, cancer treatment may disrupt the practice of physical activity, and the prevention of sedentary lifestyles in cancer survivors is imperative. PURPOSE: The current study aimed at investigating self-reported physical activity behaviour, exercise motivation and information in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. METHODS AND SAMPLE: Using a cross-sectional design, 451 patients (18-65 years) completed a questionnaire assessing pre-illness and present physical activity; motivation and information received. RESULTS: Patients reported a significant decline in physical activity from pre-illness to the time in active treatment (p<0.001). Amongst the respondents, 68% answered that they believed exercise to be beneficial; and 78% claimed not exercising as much as desired. Exercise barriers included fatigue (74%) and physical discomfort (45%). Present physical activity behaviour was associated with pre-illness physical activity behaviour (p<0.001), exercise belief (p<0.001), and diagnosis (p<0.001). More patients <40 years than patients >40 years (OR 0.36, p<0.001); more men than women (OR 2.12, p<0.001); and more oncological than haematological patients (OR 0.41, p<0.001) stated being informed about physical activity. Moreover patients who claimed to have been informed about exercise were more in agreement with being able to exercise while undergoing chemotherapy (OR 1.69, p=0.023). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that Danish adult cancer patients in chemotherapy experience a significant decline in physical activity behaviour. Results indicate a general positive interest in physical activity amongst the patients, which however may be only suboptimally exploited.

The effect of a multidimensional exercise programme on symptoms and side-effects in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy--the use of semi-structured diaries.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 6-week intervention with structured physical activity, relaxation, body-awareness techniques and massage on the symptoms/side-effects of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The study was prospective and exploratory, and 54 patients completed assessments for all 6 weeks of the intervention. In order to obtain a continuous record of side-effects, a diary was developed for the patients' use throughout the intervention. The patients scored their symptoms/side-effects on a scale from 0 to 4, using the Common Toxicity Criteria and reported these scores in questionnaires. Twelve possible symptoms/side-effects were registered daily: lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, paraesthesia, constipation, physical fatigue, mental fatigue, treatment-related fatigue, muscle pain, arthralgia and other pain. During the intervention a decrease in the scoring for 10 out of the 12 side-effects was found. Statistical significance was observed in the pain score (P=0.046) and the arbitrary-derived sum of the scores for symptoms and side-effects (P=0.036) respectively. Patients with evidence of disease (n=26) had significantly higher levels of symptoms/side-effects than patients with no evidence of disease (n=28) (P=0.027). The results indicate that a six weeks multidimensional exercise intervention undertaken by cancer patients with or without residual disease while undergoing chemotherapy can lead to a reduction in treatment-related symptoms.