title: Exercise and nutrition for head and neck cancer patients: a patient oriented, clinic-supported randomized controlled trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Research on physical activity and nutrition interventions aimed at positively impacting symptom management, treatment-related recovery and quality of life has largely excluded head and neck (HN) cancer populations. This translates into a lack of clinical programming available for these patient populations. HN cancer patients deal with severe weight loss, with more than 70% attributed to lean muscle wasting, leading to extended recovery times, decreased quality of life (QoL), and impaired physical functioning. To date, interventions to address body composition issues have focused solely on diet, despite findings that nutritional therapy alone is insufficient to mitigate changes. A combined physical activity and nutrition intervention, that also incorporates important educational components known to positively impact behaviour change, is warranted for this population. Our pilot work suggests that there is large patient demand and clinic support from the health care professionals for a comprehensive program.
  
  
  METHODS
  Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to examine the impact and timing of a 12-week PA and nutrition intervention (either during or following treatment) for HN cancer patients on body composition, recovery, serum inflammatory markers and quality of life. In addition, we will examine the impact of a 12-week maintenance program, delivered immediately following the intervention, on adherence, patient-reported outcomes (i.e., management of both physical and psychosocial treatment-related symptoms and side-effects), as well as return to work.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This research will facilitate advancements in patient wellness, survivorship, and autonomy, and carve the path for a physical-activity and wellness-education model that can be implemented in other cancer centers.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Current Controlled Trials NCT01681654.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, KNB 2229 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada.
authors.forename: Lauren C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Capozzi
authors.forename: Harold
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Lau
authors.forename: Raylene A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Reimer
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McNeely
authors.forename: Janine
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Giese-Davis
authors.forename: S Nicole
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Culos-Reed
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology; D002100:Cachexia / Q000097:blood; D016207:Cytokines / Q000097:blood; D004035:Diet Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D015438:Health Behavior; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D018802:Patient-Centered Care; D011788:Quality of Life; D017741:Survivors; D019282:Wasting Syndrome / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D016207:Cytokines