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Effects of resistance exercise on complications, cancer‐related fatigue and quality of life in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy: A randomised controlled trial
Author(s) -
Hu Qinglei,
Zhao Dongju
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
european journal of cancer care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.849
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1365-2354
pISSN - 0961-5423
DOI - 10.1111/ecc.13355
Subject(s) - medicine , quality of life (healthcare) , nasopharyngeal carcinoma , mucositis , chemoradiotherapy , physical therapy , randomized controlled trial , cancer , radiation therapy , nursing
Background Chemotherapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) can lead to significant side effects and complications. Exercises during chemoradiotherapy have potential to reduce complications and fatigue and improve quality of life. The aim of the randomised clinical study was to investigate the benefits of resistance exercise during chemoradiotherapy in NPC patients. Methods A total of 146 patients were randomised to perform resistance or relaxation exercises during chemoradiotherapy. Resistance exercise consisted of eight machine‐based progressive resistance exercises, and relaxation control consisted of progressive muscle relaxation. Side effects and complications were analysed, and fatigue was assessed by Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory‐Short Form (MFSI‐SF) scores. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core‐30 (EORTC QLQ30) scale was used to evaluate the effects of resistance exercise or relaxation control on quality of life. Per‐protocol analysis was performed on the collected data. Results Resistance exercise has stronger effects than relaxation in reducing complications, including oral mucositis, mouth‐opening difficulties, xerostomia, hearing loss and nasal congestion, and alleviating both physical fatigue and mental fatigue. The improvement in quality of life was also more prominent among patients performing resistance exercise. Conclusions For NPC patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy, resistance exercise has a better efficacy in reducing complications, alleviating fatigue and improving quality of life.