title: Feasibility, physical capacity, and health benefits of a multidimensional exercise program for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: The University Hospitals Centre for Nursing and Care Research, Department 7331, The University Hospital of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen O, Denmark. ucsf@ucsf.dk
authors.forename: Lis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Adamsen
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Midtgaard
authors.forename: Mikael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rorth
authors.forename: Niels
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Borregaard
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Andersen
authors.forename: Morten
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Quist
authors.forename: Tom
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Møller
authors.forename: Morten
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zacho
authors.forename: Jan K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Madsen
authors.forename: Lasse
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Knutsen
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods; D017079:Exercise Tolerance; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors