[Physical Activity in Patients with Gastrointestinal Cancer Undergoing Outpatient Chemotherapy].

PURPOSE: To determine factors affecting physical activity in outpatients with gastrointestinal cancer. METHODS: This observational study applied the International Physical Activity Questionnaire(IPAQ)to identify factors affecting physical activity in outpatients(male, n=51; female, n=24; mean age, 64.2±10.2 years)with gastrointestinal cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Relationships between the main outcome measures, total weekly physical activity score(TPA)and total weekly energy expenditure(TEE), and patient background factors were analyzed. RESULTS: The median duration of induction chemotherapy in the 75 outpatients who completed the IPAQ was 242.5(range 7-2,294)days. The TPA and TEE tended to decrease in older patients and were lower in all patients compared with age-specific standard values for healthy persons. Both values tended to increase to a greater extent among patients who worked than among those who did not, and being employed was significantly associated with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status(ECOG-PS). The TEE tended to be lower among patients with adverse events(AE)such as pain. CONCLUSION: Progressive cachexia, changes in lifestyle, and AE affected physical activity among outpatients with gastrointestinal cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Comprehensive support by an oncology team would probably play an important role in encouraging elderly patients to participate in physical activity.

[Field report of cancer rehabilitation at Kensekai Dongo Hospital].

In 2010, a newly-created medical fee was established for "Cancer Patient Rehabilitation." We acquired the facility criteria for cancer rehabilitation in August 2011. In December 2005, we started a preventive rehabilitation program to provide comprehensive respiratory physical therapy. Maintenance rehabilitation, palliative rehabilitation and home visiting rehabilitation have been increasing recently. All our staff hope to provide safer, improved skills cancer medical care for all patients by using better rehabilitation skills.