The effect of a multidimensional exercise intervention on physical capacity, well-being and quality of life in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

• Published in: Supportive care in cancer 2006-02, Vol.14 (2), p.116-127
• Main Authors: Adamsen, Lis, Quist, Morten, Midtgaard, Julie, Andersen, Christina, Møller, Tom, Knutsen, Lasse, Tveterås, Anders, Rorth, Mikael
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols - adverse effects; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols - therapeutic use; Cancer; Exercise Therapy; Female; Health Status; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasms - drug therapy; Neoplasms - rehabilitation; Oxygen Consumption; Physical fitness; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life; Relaxation Therapy; Sports training; Weight Lifting
• ISSN: 0941-4355; 1433-7339
• DOI: 10.1007/s00520-005-0864-x

The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of a multidimensional exercise intervention focusing on physical capacity; one-repetition maximum (1RM) and maximum oxygen uptake (VO2Max), activity level, general well-being and quality of life in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The intervention comprised resistance and fitness training, massage, relaxation and body-awareness training. Eighty-two cancer patients, with or without evidence of residual disease, were included: 66 patients with 13 different types of solid tumours and 16 patients with 6 types of haematological malignancies. The patients trained in mixed groups for 9 h weekly for 6 weeks. Physical capacity, physical activity level and psychosocial well-being as measured by the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Highly significant increases were achieved in muscular strength (p