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

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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 (VO2max), 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, VO2max) 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.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by grants from the Danish Medical Research Council, Ministry of Culture's Media and Grants Secretariat, the Egmont Foundation, the Lundbeck Foundation and the Copenhagen Hospital Corporation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The University Hospitals Centre for Nursing and Care Research, Department 7331, The University Hospital of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen O, Denmark

    Lis Adamsen, Julie Midtgaard, Morten Quist, Jan K. Madsen & Lasse Knutsen

  2. Department of Oncology, Department 5073, The University Hospital of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen O, Denmark

    Mikael Rorth & Christina Andersen

  3. Department of Hematology, Department 4042, The University Hospital of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen O, Denmark

    Niels Borregaard & Tom Møller

  4. Copenhagen Muscle Research Centre, Department 7652, The University Hospital of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen O, Denmark

    Morten Zacho

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  1. Lis Adamsen
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Adamsen, L., Midtgaard, J., Rorth, M. et al. Feasibility, physical capacity, and health benefits of a multidimensional exercise program for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Support Care Cancer 11, 707–716 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-003-0504-2

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