Strength and endurance training in the treatment of lung cancer patients in stages IIIA/IIIB/IV.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

This randomized controlled trial tested the effects of a specially designed strength and endurance training on the independence and quality of life in lung cancer patients in stages IIIA/IIIB/IV during palliative chemotherapy.

METHODS:

Between August 2010 and December 2011, 46 patients were randomized into two groups receiving either conventional physiotherapy or special physiotherapeutic training. The Barthel Index served as primary endpoint. The secondary endpoints were the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core-30 (EORTC QLQ C-30/LC-13) questionnaire, the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), stair walking, the Modified Borg Scale, and muscle strength. Nonparametrical data were analyzed with the Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney U test. For parametric, data student t tests were used. A p value of ≤.05 was accepted.

RESULTS:

Twenty-nine patients completed the trial (Intervention group (IG), n = 18; control group (CG), n = 11). Significant differences were detectable in the Barthel Index (IGmean = 92.08; CGmean = 81.67; p = .041), in single scores of the EORTC QLQ C-30/LC-13 questionnaire (physical functioning, p = .025; hemoptysis, p = .019; pain in arms or shoulder, p = .048; peripheral neuropathy, p = .050; cognitive functioning, p = .050), in the 6MWT, stair walking, strength capacity, and in the patient's dyspnoea perception during submaximal walking activities (IG > CG).

CONCLUSION:

According to these findings, lung cancer patients should receive enhanced physical activity intervention during palliative chemotherapy.

• Authors: C C Henke, J Cabri, L Fricke, W Pankow, G Kandilakis, P C Feyer, M de Wit
• Journal: Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (Support Care Cancer) Vol. 22 Issue 1 Pg. 95-101 (Jan 2014) ISSN: 1433-7339 [Electronic] Germany
• PMID: 23995813 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Organoplatinum Compounds

Topics

• Aged
• Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols (therapeutic use)
• Exercise (physiology)
• Exercise Therapy (methods)
• Female
• Humans
• Lung Neoplasms (drug therapy, pathology, physiopathology, therapy)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Muscle Strength (physiology)
• Neoplasm Staging
• Organoplatinum Compounds (administration & dosage)
• Physical Endurance (physiology)
• Prospective Studies
• Quality of Life
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Walking (physiology)