Feasibility and Effects of a Supervised Exercise Program Suitable for Independent Training at Home on Physical Function and Quality of Life in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Pilot Study

Introduction: Head and neck cancer patients often suffer from physical and cognitive impairments after cancer treatment. During rehabilitation, exercise therapy can improve physical function and quality of life (QoL). Surveys demonstrated patients’ preference for home training with low- to moderate-intensity. This study was conducted in order to develope a suitable home-based training program. Therefore, the feasibility and effects of a low- to moderate-intensity exercise intervention on physical functions and QoL were evaluated. Methods: Training was conducted as supervised group training and consisted of mobilization, coordination, resistance, stretching, and relaxation exercises. The intervention lasted 12 weeks with 2 training sessions per week. Feasibility, attendance rate, physical function (eg, range of motion, 6-minute walk test [6MWT]), and QoL (eg, EORTC QLQ-30) were analyzed. Results: Ten out of 12 participants completed the intervention (83%) with an average attendance rate of 83%. Participants showed significant improvements in selected physical functions. For example, head rotation increased by 11.2° ( P = .042), walking distance in the 6MWT increased by an average of 43.3 m ( P = .010), and the global QoL scale improved by 8.2 points ( P = .059). Additionally, there were positive changes in the physical function scale ( P = .008), cognitive function scale ( P = .015), and social function scale ( P = .031) of the EORTC QLQ-30. Conclusion: Data indicate that the exercise program was feasible and had positive effects on physical function and QoL. Future research will analyze the effects of a home-based exercise program on physical function and QoL in a large-scale study.

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Effect of a Home-Based Exercise Program on Indices of Physical Function and Quality of Life in Elderly Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

Kidney & Blood Pressure Research ◽

10.1159/000514269 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Jonathan Myers ◽

Khin Chan ◽

Yu Chen ◽

Yiming Lit ◽

Alessandro Patti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Body Composition ◽

Usual Care ◽

Physical Function ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Exercise Group ◽

Maintenance Hemodialysis ◽

Regular Exercise ◽

Home Based

Background: Patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) exhibit muscle wasting and impaired physical function which can be reversed with regular exercise, but accessibility to exercise programs for this unique population is lacking. We assessed the efficacy of a home-based exercise program on a broad range of indices of physical function, quality of life (QoL), and cognitive decline in patients with MHD. Design and Methods: Twenty-eight MHD patients, mean age 66 ± 7 years, were randomized to a 12-week home-based, case-managed aerobic and resistance exercise program or to usual care (13 exercise and 15 usual care). Comparisons were made for peak VO2, ventilatory inefficiency, 6-min walk test (6MWT), 1-min sit-to-stand (1STS), muscle strength, body composition, QoL, and cognitive measures. Results: Peak VO2 improved significantly in the exercise group (p = 0.01 between groups); exercise time improved by 41 and 36% at the ventilatory threshold and peak exercise, respectively (p < 0.01 between groups), but there were no differences in ventilatory efficiency. Trends for improvements in 6MWT and 1STS in the exercise group were observed, but no differences were observed in strength or body composition. Among measures of QoL, general health determined by the SF-36 improved in the exercise group, but there were no differences between groups in cognitive function. Conclusions: MHD patients improved exercise capacity and some indices of QoL following a 12-week home-based exercise program. Home-based exercise is feasible for patients undergoing MHD and may help to obviate accessibility barriers to regular exercise.

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Effect of Home-Based Exercise Program on Physical Function and Balance in Older Adults With Sarcopenia: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Study

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1123/japa.2020-0348 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Ekin Ilke Sen ◽

Sibel Eyigor ◽

Merve Dikici Yagli ◽

Zeynep Alev Ozcete ◽

Tugba Aydin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Function ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Exercise Group ◽

Controlled Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Lower Extremity Muscle ◽

Home Based

In the prospective, randomized, controlled multicenter study, 100 patients who were clinically diagnosed with sarcopenia were assigned to either a home-based exercise group or a control group. The home-based training program included exercises with gradually increasing intensity comprising posture, stretching and upper- and lower-extremity muscle-strengthening exercises, balance and coordination exercises, and gait training. Before and 3 months after the exercise program, all the patients were evaluated. The 6-min walking test and Berg Balance Scale scores increased significantly after 3 months in the home-based exercise group compared with the controls. There was also a significant decrease in timed up and go test scores and a significant improvement in quality of life in the exercise group compared with the control group. Our findings indicated that a home-based exercise program can have a positive effect on physical function, balance, and quality of life in patients with sarcopenia.

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Home-Based Exercise Prehabilitation During Preoperative Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer Is Associated With Improvement in Physical Function and Quality of Life

Integrative Cancer Therapies ◽

10.1177/1534735419894061 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 18 ◽

pp. 153473541989406 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

An Ngo-Huang ◽

Nathan H. Parker ◽

Eduardo Bruera ◽

Rebecca E. Lee ◽

Richard Simpson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Pancreatic Cancer ◽

Aerobic Exercise ◽

Physical Function ◽

Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma ◽

Moderate Intensity ◽

Home Based

Purpose: To investigate relationships among physical activity, changes in physical function, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma enrolled in a home-based exercise prehabilitation program. Methods: Patients with resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma receiving preoperative chemotherapy and/or chemoradiation were enrolled on this prospective, single-arm trial and were advised to perform ≥60 minutes each of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and strengthening exercise weekly. Activity was measured via self-report and accelerometers, including moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity (LPA), and sedentary activity (SA). Physical function measures at baseline and restaging follow-up included 6-minute walk test (6MWT), 5 times sit-to-stand (5×STS), handgrip strength (HGS), 3-m walk for gait speed (GS), and the PROMIS Physical Function Short Form. HRQOL was measured via the FACT-Hep questionnaire. Results: Fifty participants with mean age 66 years (standard deviation = 8 years) were enrolled. The 6MWT, 5×STS, and GS significantly improved from baseline to restaging follow-up (P=.001, P=.049, and P=.009, respectively). Increases in self-reported aerobic exercise, weekly MVPA, and LPA were associated with improvement in 6MWT (β=.19, P=.048; β=.18, P=.03; and β=.08, P=.03, respectively) and self-reported physical functioning (β=.02, P=.03; β=.03, P=.005; and β=.01, P=.02, respectively). Increased weekly LPA was associated with increased HRQOL (β=.03, P=.02). Increased SA was associated with decreased HRQOL (β=-.02,P=.01). Conclusions: Patients with potentially resectable pancreatic cancer exhibit meaningful improvement in physical function with prehabilitation; physical activity was associated with improved physical function and HRQOL. These data highlight the importance of physical activity during treatment for pancreatic cancer.

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Adherence to Home-Based Swallowing Therapy Using a Mobile System in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors

American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology ◽

10.1044/2021_ajslp-21-00026 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Gabriela Constantinescu ◽

Jana Rieger ◽

Hadi Seikaly ◽

Dean Eurich

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Radiation Therapy ◽

Head And Neck Cancer ◽

Head And Neck ◽

Neck Cancer ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Self Report ◽

Swallowing Therapy ◽

Home Based

Purpose A large knowledge gap related to dysphagia treatment adherence was identified by a recent systematic review: Few existing studies report on adherence, and current adherence tracking relies heavily on patient self-report. This study aimed to report weekly adherence and dysphagia-specific quality of life following home-based swallowing therapy in head and neck cancer (HNC). Method This was a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design. Patients who were at least 3 months post–HNC treatment were enrolled in swallowing therapy using a mobile health (mHealth) swallowing system equipped with surface electromyography (sEMG) biofeedback. Participants completed a home dysphagia exercise program across 6 weeks, with a target of 72 swallows per day split between three different exercise types. Adherence was calculated as percent trials completed of trials prescribed. The M. D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) was administered before and after therapy. Results Twenty participants (75% male), with an average age of 61.9 years ( SD = 8.5), completed the study. The majority had surgery ± adjuvant (chemo)radiation therapy for oral (10%), oropharyngeal (80%), or other (10%) cancers. Using an intention-to-treat analysis, adherence to the exercise regimen remained high from 84% in Week 1 to 72% in Week 6. Radiation therapy, time since cancer treatment, medical difficulties, and technical difficulties were all found to be predictive of poorer adherence at Week 6. A statistically significant improvement was found for composite, emotional, and physical MDADI subscales. Conclusions When using an mHealth system with sEMG biofeedback, adherence rates to home-based swallowing exercise remained at or above 72% over a 6-week treatment period. Dysphagia-specific quality of life improved following this 6-week treatment program.

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The effects of supervision on three different exercises modalities (supervised vs. home vs. supervised+home) in older adults: Randomized controlled trial protocol

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0259827 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (11) ◽

pp. e0259827

Author(s):

Sabrine Nayara Costa ◽

Luis Henrique Boiko Ferreira ◽

Paulo Cesar Barauce Bento

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Older Adults ◽

Clinical Trial ◽

Physical Function ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Supervised Exercise ◽

Home Based

Background Multicomponent physical exercise programs are a viable strategy for treating physical decline resulting from the aging process in older populations and can be applied in supervised and home-based modalities. However, the magnitude of the intervention effects in terms of physical function development may vary according to the modalities application due to different supervision degrees. Objective This study aims to compare the effects of supervision in a multicomponent exercise program in different application modalities (supervised vs. home vs. supervised+home) in neuromuscular adaptations, muscle strength, gait, physical function, and quality of life, analyzing the differences between intensity, volume, and density of home and supervised sessions in community older adults. Methods This protocol is a randomized controlled clinical trial with a sample of 66 older adults divided into three groups: supervised exercise (SUP = 22), home-based exercise (HB = 22), and supervised plus home-based exercise (SUP+HB = 22). The multicomponent exercise program will last 12 weeks, three times per week, for 60 min per session and include warm-up, balance, muscle-strengthening, gait, and flexibility exercises. The study’s primary outcomes will be neuromuscular function, composed of the assessment of muscle isokinetic strength, muscle architecture, and neuromuscular electrical activation. The secondary outcome will be physical function, usual and maximum gait speed with and without dual-task, and quality of life. All outcomes will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention (week 12). Conclusion This study will be the first clinical trial to examine the effects of different supervision levels on home-based exercises compared to supervised protocols. The results of this study will be essentials for planning coherent and viable home-based programs for older adults. Trial registration Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials. Number RBR- 7MZ2KR. https://apps.who.int/trialsearch/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=RBR-7mz2kr.

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Effect of a home-based exercise program on functional mobility and quality of life in elderly people: protocol of a single-blind, randomized controlled trial

Trials ◽

10.1186/s13063-018-3061-1 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Glauber Sá Brandão ◽

Luís Vicente Franco Oliveira ◽

Glaudson Sá Brandão ◽

Anderson Soares Silva ◽

Antônia Adonis Callou Sampaio ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Elderly People ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Functional Mobility ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Home Based ◽

Single Blind

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Study Protocol: A Hybrid Delivery of Home-Based Cluster Set Resistance Training for Individuals Previously Treated for Lung Cancer

10.21203/rs.3.rs-907846/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ciaran M Fairman ◽

Otis L Owens ◽

Kristina L Kendall ◽

James Steele ◽

C Latella ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Lung Cancer ◽

Resistance Training ◽

Physical Function ◽

Physical Decline ◽

Hybrid Delivery ◽

Cluster Set ◽

Home Based ◽

Cluster Sets

Abstract Background: Symptom burden remains a critical concern for individuals with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) following the completion of treatment. The most common symptom clusters, dyspnea (shortness of breath) and fatigue,can contribute to physical decline, reductions in quality of life, and a higher risk of comorbidities and mortality. Dyspnea is a primary limiter of exercise capacity in individuals with lung cancer, resulting in exercise avoidance and an accelerated physical decline. As such, designing resistance training with cluster sets to mitigate symptoms of dyspnea and fatigue may result in improved exercise tolerance. Thus, maintainingthe exercise stimulus via cluster sets, combined with improved tolerance of the exercise, could result in maintenance of physical function and quality of life. The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a hybrid-delivery home-based cluster-set resistance training program in individuals with NSCLC. Methods: Individuals with NSCLC (n=15), within 12-months of completion of treatment will be recruited to participate in this single arm feasibility trial. Participants will complete 8-weeks of home-based resistance training designed to minimizedyspnea and fatigue. The hybrid-delivery of the program will include supervised sessions in the participants’ home, and virtual supervision via video conferencing. The primary outcome of feasibility will be quantifiedby recruitment rates, retention, acceptability, and intervention fidelity. Exploratory outcomes (dyspnea, fatigue, quality of life, physical function, and body composition) will be assessed pre- and post- intervention. Discussion: This study will provide important data on the feasibility of delivering this intervention and inform procedures for a future randomized controlled trial. Trial Registration: Record not yet public

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Influence of Hemoglobin Level on Muscle and Physical Functions, Activities of Daily Living, and Quality of Life in Patients With Hematological Malignancies

Integrative Cancer Therapies ◽

10.1177/1534735419842196 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 18 ◽

pp. 153473541984219 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Takuya Fukushima ◽

Jiro Nakano ◽

Shun Ishii ◽

Ayumi Natsuzako ◽

Haruna Kawachi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Muscle Strength ◽

Activities Of Daily Living ◽

Physical Function ◽

Daily Living ◽

Hematological Malignancies ◽

Physical Symptoms ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Physical Functions

Purpose. Patients with hematological malignancies often present with reduced muscle and physical functions, which are caused by the disease or related treatment. Moreover, patients with hematological malignancies rapidly develop low hemoglobin levels, and this may affect muscle and physical functions. This study aimed to identify the influence of hemoglobin levels on muscle and physical functions in patients with hematological malignancies. Methods. Using a cross-sectional study design, this study included 60 patients with hematological malignancies (mean age = 68.0 ± 10.2 years, women 56.7%) who were hospitalized for chemotherapy- and radiotherapy-related side effects and underwent examination for skeletal muscle mass (SMM), muscle strength, physical function, activities of daily living (ADLs), psychological status, and quality-of-life (QOL), including physical symptoms. Participants were divided into 3 groups according to tertiles of hemoglobin levels: low (n = 19), middle (n = 20), and high (n = 21). Evaluation items were compared among the 3 groups. Results. There was no significant difference among the 3 groups in terms of SMM. The low hemoglobin group showed significantly higher values of fatigue and dyspnea and lower values of muscle strength, ADLs, and QOL than the high hemoglobin group. Conclusions. Hemoglobin levels did not affect SMM; however, muscle weakness, decrease in physical function, physical symptoms such as fatigue and dyspnea, and decline in ADLs and QOL were observed in patients with low hemoglobin levels.

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