Abstract 1857P
Background
Exercise (EX) is associated with mortality risk reduction and improvement in quality of life (QoL). In this pilot study, we investigated the feasibility, and the preliminary efficacy of EX in cancer patients (pts).
Methods
A prospective randomized study evaluated the EX-intervention in pts with different cancer types at early stages. EX consisted of 3-months of bi-weekly training, including aerobic and resistance training activities. The aerobic component comprised cardiovascular exercises, progressively increasing from 10 to 30 minutes at moderate intensity, i.e., 3-5 of the 10-point Borg Rating of the Perceived Exertion Scale (RPE). Resistance training included six body weight or elastic bands exercises performed in 2-3 sets of 8-12 repetitions, at moderate intensity, i.e., 3-5 of the RPE. The primary endpoint was EX feasibility, defined as recruitment rate, adherence, withdrawals, and adverse events (AEs). Secondary endpoints were functional capacity, assessed using Six minutes walking test, muscular strength, measured with handgrip, and leg press strength. Pts’ QoL was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life and Core Questionnaire (EORTC- QLQ-C30).
Results
Out of 56 pts considered eligible, 22 were randomized (age 58 yrs.; 59% breast, 27% lung cancer sites) to the EX-intervention group (n=11) or to the control one (n=11). All participants completed baseline and post-intervention assessments. No AEs were reported during the study period. The adherence rate to the prescribed training sessions was 86%. Compared to the controls, the EX-group showed significative improvements in functional capacity (p <0.009), handgrip strength (p <0.01) and leg press strength (p <0.03). After EX intervention, improvement in social functioning and fatigue parameters were reported, while no significant changes in other domains of QoL were detected so far.
Conclusions
Our preliminary results suggest that an EX-intervention combining aerobic and resistance activities was feasible in cancer pts. Moreover, EX produced improvements in physiological values and some domains of QoL. Further pts’ enrollment is currently ongoing.
Clinical trial identification
NCT04226508.
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
The authors.
Funding
Lega Italiana per la Lotta contro i Tumori.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.