title: Pilot, randomized trial of resistance exercise during radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of a randomized trial of resistance exercise in patients with head and neck cancer receiving radiation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifteen patients with head and neck cancer receiving radiation were randomized to resistance exercise (using resistance bands) or control group. Resistance exercise occurred at the radiation therapy site (weeks 1-6) and home (weeks 7-12).
  
  
  RESULTS
  No serious adverse events occurred related to resistance exercise. Medium to large effect size differences favoring resistance exercise versus control group were noted for perceived fatigue at 6 weeks (smaller increase in fatigue for resistance exercise group; 7.4 vs 15.4, effect size [d] = -0.64), quality of life at 6 weeks (-7.0 vs -14.4, d = 0.52), and chair rise time (seconds) at 6 and 12 weeks (-1.6 vs 0.4, d = -.63 and -1.9 vs 0.1, d = -0.60, respectively).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Resistance exercise is safe and feasible in patients with head and neck cancer receiving radiation; a definitive trial is warranted.
authors: Department of Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Springfield, IL 62794-9636, USA. lrogers@siumed.edu
authors: Laura Q
authors: LQ
authors: Rogers
authors: Philip M
authors: PM
authors: Anton
authors: Amanda
authors: A
authors: Fogleman
authors: Patricia
authors: P
authors: Hopkins-Price
authors: Steven
authors: S
authors: Verhulst
authors: Krishna
authors: K
authors: Rao
authors: James
authors: J
authors: Malone
authors: Randy
authors: R
authors: Robbs
authors: Kerry S
authors: KS
authors: Courneya
authors: Parashar
authors: P
authors: Nanavati
authors: Sara
authors: S
authors: Mansfield
authors: K Thomas
authors: KT
authors: Robbins
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D037001:Directive Counseling; D005221:Fatigue / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life; D055070:Resistance Training; D016896:Treatment Outcome