Premium
Maintaining physical activity during head and neck cancer treatment: Results of a pilot controlled trial
Author(s) -
Zhao Shuang G.,
Alexander Neil B.,
Djuric Zora,
Zhou Jessica,
Tao Yebin,
Schipper Matthew,
Feng Felix Y.,
Eisbruch Avraham,
Worden Francis P.,
Strath Scott J.,
Jolly Shruti
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.24162
Subject(s) - pilot trial , head and neck cancer , head and neck , physical activity , pilot program , medicine , randomized controlled trial , physical therapy , cancer treatment , physical medicine and rehabilitation , cancer , surgery , medical education
Abstract Background Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (concurrent CRT) to treat head and neck cancer is associated with significant reductions of weight, mobility, and quality of life (QOL). An intervention focusing on functional exercise may attenuate these losses. Methods We allocated patients to a 14‐week functional resistance and walking program designed to maintain physical activity during cancer treatment (MPACT group; n = 11), or to usual care (control group; n = 9). Outcomes were assessed at baseline, and 7 and 14 weeks. Results Compared to controls, the MPACT participants had attenuated decline or improvement in several strength, mobility, physical activity, diet, and QOL endpoints. These trends were statistically significant ( p < .05) in knee strength, mental health, head and neck QOL, and barriers to exercise. Conclusion In this pilot study of patients with head and neck cancer undergoing concurrent CRT, MPACT training was feasible and maintained or improved function and QOL, thereby providing the basis for larger future interventions with longer follow‐up. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38 : E1086–E1096, 2016