TY - JOUR

T1 - Feasibility, physical capacity, and health benefits of a multidimensional exercise program for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

AU - Adamsen, Lis

AU - Midtgaard, Julie

AU - Rorth, Mikael

AU - Borregaard, Niels

AU - Andersen, Christina

AU - Quist, Morten

AU - Møller, Tom

AU - Zacho, Morten

AU - Madsen, Jan K

AU - Knutsen, Lasse

PY - 2003/11

Y1 - 2003/11

N2 - Cancer patients frequently experience considerable loss of physical capacity and general wellbeing when diagnosed and treated for their disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, physical capacity, and health benefits of a multidimensional exercise program for cancer patients during advanced stages of disease who are undergoing adjuvant or high-dose chemotherapy. The supervised program included high- and low-intensity activities (physical exercise, relaxation, massage, and body-awareness training). A total of 23 patients between 18 and 65 years of age (median 40 years) participated in groups of seven to nine patients for 9 h weekly for 6 weeks. Physical capacity in terms of repetition maximum (RM) and maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2)max), physical activity level and psychosocial wellbeing (EORTC QLQ-C30, SF-36, HAD) were compared prior to and after completion of the program. The program was safe and well tolerated. The completion rate was 85.2%. Highly significant increases in physical capacity (1RM, VO(2)max) and an improved level of physical activity were achieved. Quality of life and general wellbeing assessments indicated improvements in several measures, but without reaching significance. It is concluded that an exercise program, which combines high- and low-intensity physical activities, may be used to prevent and/or minimize physical inactivity, fatigue, muscle wasting and energy loss in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

AB - Cancer patients frequently experience considerable loss of physical capacity and general wellbeing when diagnosed and treated for their disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, physical capacity, and health benefits of a multidimensional exercise program for cancer patients during advanced stages of disease who are undergoing adjuvant or high-dose chemotherapy. The supervised program included high- and low-intensity activities (physical exercise, relaxation, massage, and body-awareness training). A total of 23 patients between 18 and 65 years of age (median 40 years) participated in groups of seven to nine patients for 9 h weekly for 6 weeks. Physical capacity in terms of repetition maximum (RM) and maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2)max), physical activity level and psychosocial wellbeing (EORTC QLQ-C30, SF-36, HAD) were compared prior to and after completion of the program. The program was safe and well tolerated. The completion rate was 85.2%. Highly significant increases in physical capacity (1RM, VO(2)max) and an improved level of physical activity were achieved. Quality of life and general wellbeing assessments indicated improvements in several measures, but without reaching significance. It is concluded that an exercise program, which combines high- and low-intensity physical activities, may be used to prevent and/or minimize physical inactivity, fatigue, muscle wasting and energy loss in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

KW - Activities of Daily Living

KW - Adaptation, Psychological

KW - Adult

KW - Aged

KW - Chemotherapy, Adjuvant

KW - Combined Modality Therapy

KW - Exercise Therapy

KW - Exercise Tolerance

KW - Feasibility Studies

KW - Female

KW - Humans

KW - Male

KW - Middle Aged

KW - Neoplasms

KW - Oxygen Consumption

KW - Physical Fitness

KW - Quality of Life

KW - Sickness Impact Profile

KW - Surveys and Questionnaires

KW - Time Factors

KW - Journal Article

KW - Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

U2 - 10.1007/s00520-003-0504-2

DO - 10.1007/s00520-003-0504-2

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 12898370

VL - 11

SP - 707

EP - 716

JO - Supportive Care in Cancer

JF - Supportive Care in Cancer

SN - 0941-4355

IS - 11

ER -