Premium
Physical activity behaviors in cancer survivors treated with neurotoxic chemotherapy
Author(s) -
Mizrahi David,
Goldstein David,
Trinh Terry,
Li Tiffany,
Timmins Hannah C.,
Harrison Michelle,
Marx Gavin M.,
Hovey Elizabeth J.,
Lewis Craig R.,
Friedlander Michael,
Park Susanna B.
Publication year - 2023
Publication title -
asia‐pacific journal of clinical oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.73
H-Index - 29
eISSN - 1743-7563
pISSN - 1743-7555
DOI - 10.1111/ajco.13834
Subject(s) - medicine , chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy , physical activity , physical therapy , physical medicine and rehabilitation , peripheral neuropathy , endocrinology , diabetes mellitus
Aim There are many barriers to physical activity among cancer survivors. Survivors treated with neurotoxic chemotherapy may develop chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and experience additional barriers related to sensorimotor and mobility deficits. This study examined physical activity behaviors, including physical activity predictors, among cancer survivors treated with neurotoxic chemotherapies. Methods A cross‐sectional study of 252 participants, 3–24 months after neurotoxic chemotherapy, was undertaken. Physical activity was self‐reported (IPAQ). CIPN was self‐reported (FACT/GOG‐Ntx‐13), clinically graded (NCI‐CTCAE), and objectively measured using neurological grading scales and neurophysiological techniques (tibial and sural nerve conduction studies). Balance (Swaymeter) and fine motor skills (grooved pegboard) were assessed. Regression models were used to identify clinical, demographic and CIPN predictors of walking and moderate–vigorous physical activity. Results Forty‐four percent of participants did not meet recommended physical activity guidelines (≥150 min/week). Sixty‐six percent presented with CIPN. Nineteen percent of participants with CIPN reported that symptoms interfered with their ability to be physically active. A lower proportion of survivors aged ≥60, with grade ≥1 CIPN or BMI ≥30, reported meeting physical activity guidelines (all p < .05). Regression models identified older age, higher BMI, and patient‐reported CIPN associated with lower walking, while higher BMI and females were associated with lower moderate–vigorous physical activity. Neurologically assessed CIPN did not associate with walking or moderate–vigorous physical activity. Conclusion Cancer survivors exposed to neurotoxic chemotherapy have low physical activity levels. Further work should examine the factors causing physical activity limitations in this cohort and designing interventions to improve physical function and quality of life in survivors.